Well, Android has finally released its SDK on behalf of the OHA (Open Handset Alliance) and we have been told to expect to see handsets by the first half of 2008. Google has sponsored the Developer Challenge to help jumpstart the Android programming community, and it seems to be working. So, what are the Android handsets shaping up to look like?
Well, most of the units I’ve seen, both in the Android SDK tutorials, and in various videos, are either fully touch-screens, possibly with a slide out keyboard, or, and this is the most common one, something to the likes of a BlackBerry, but it looks like its from HTC, has a larger touch-screen and other than that is just thinner. So, when you buy one later next year, you are going to want accessories.
One such very important accessory is the case, which other than the moderately rugged construction of the handset, it’s the only other form of protection from the outside world your device will receive. There are several types of cases ranging from Mil-Spec bomb/shock/bullet/fire/water/gas proof down to a simple cloth covering or screen protector.
For basic screen protection, which is really the most vulnerable part of the device, I’d highly recommend and invisibleSHIELD, but I am sure there will be others by the time the device is released. But there are other functions of an actual case than just device protection, they can offer easier, quicker access to the device, and can even be a fashion accessory.
Cases come in all different shapes, sizes, and functions. Like I said, there are some that are just created for fashion, and usually offer only moderate protection, while there are those made for purely hellish conditions that can take a real beating and still protect your device. My personal favorite type of case is the flip-cover case, it covers the entire device, but usually has holes for the various ports, and then the front opens up for access to the input devices and screen.
Sadly, a flip-cover case probably isn’t the best for a smartphone like the devices that the Android OS is clearly being designed for. Some of the better cases for devices such as this are pouch cases, where you slide the device in and the top is either open, or has a Velcro or magnetic flap that closes over the top, they offer moderate protection, and fairly easy access.
On the other hand, if you are on your smartphone all the time, a simple belt clip might be the best option for you, its near instant access, but it offers little to no device protection. They usually either clip onto the device, or are stuck to it with some sort of adhesive, and then they clip onto your pocket, or belt, and then they sometimes swivel in order to prevent you from breaking the clip when you bend one way or the other.
Then again, these new devices will likely be considerably thin and as small as possible while still being usable, so maybe something simple to just protect it from the other contents in your pockets will be sufficient. In that case, I’d recommend a screen protector for sure, and maybe a simple silicon or rubber covering. The silicon coverings are usually pretty cheap costing $10-$30 for a 5 pack of varying colors and just cover the back/edges of the device, they offer very little shock protection, but in your pocket they will keep your device from getting scratched up from the other contents.
Anyways, that’s pretty much it as far as cases go, at least until we see an actual device for Android. Speaking of which, if you want to learn more about Android, the Open Handset Alliance, Google’s developer challenge, or what’s going on with programming and the platform so far, check out AndroidCommunity.com.
