Android beyond phones and tablets

After facing initial doubt, Google’s Android platform has become widely accepted by the masses. This open operating system broke barriers and ensured that tech-imbued devices reach every budget segment. Android phones may be used by more than 50 percent of smartphones across the world, but the open operating system hasn't restricted itself to phones and tablets. The openness of Android allows it to serve as much more than a mobile OS. You might be pleasantly surprised to learn about the various types of devices that Android is making its presence felt in. We have listed a few, so read on. 

NASA’s smartphone nanosatellite - PhoneSat

Android in space

Android is all set to go to outer space. If you own either an HTC Nexus One or a Samsung Nexus S then you will be stoked to know that they will be the onboard computers for NASA’s PhoneSats, which are currently under development. These nanosatellites are being developed at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California. It’s planning to launch two variants of  this satellite: PhoneSat 1.0 to be powered by the HTC Nexus One will send back digital imagery alongwith the records of its position, and PhoneSat 2.0 powered by a Nexus S will include a two-way radio, solar panels and a GPS receiver. These PhoneSats are roughly 4 cubic inches in size, which is roughly the volume of a coffee mug. They are expected to be launched in 2013.        

Digital Camera

On a clicking spree with Android

Digital cameras have made the whole process of taking pictures a casual affair. What took it one step further and added a whole new spin, were smartphones equipped with cameras. It didn’t matter if the resolution was bad, what clicked, so to speak, was the ability to click pictures anywhere at any time and instantaneously upload them to social networking sites. Now with even smartphone cameras getting better, the onus is on digital camera manufacturers to up their game. The result is cameras powered by Android. Nikon became the first known brand to make a splash with the Nikon Coolpix S800c 16MP camera powered by Android 2.3 and featuring a EXPEED C2 processing engine for smooth performance. The latest brand to jump on this bandwagon is Samsung, who recently demonstrated its smart camera and simply named it Samsung Galaxy Camera. This 16MP camera is quite a powerhouse, considering that it runs on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and is powered by a 1.4 GHz quad-core processor. Additionally, it also has voice-based control for certain camera functions. These cameras not only make sharing on social networks easy, but with the Google Play store available on the camera itself, you can simply install your favorite imaging app and use it to snap pictures, add effects and finally share them!            

Watches

Android on your wrist

For socially connected folk who are practically glued to their smartphones, it can get tiresome to carry a phone around at all times and fish it out of the pocket with every notification or call. Android-based watches are the perfect solution. These funkily designed watches aren't just cool looking, but are also highly functional. Pair them with a compatible Android device and you can control several features of your phone like answering calls, reading text messages, managing playlists, controlling volume, checking the calendar and of course keeping a track of social networks. Two such devices that have been creating a buzz are the Sony Ericsson LiveView and i’mWatch. The latest product to join the foray is the WiMM One, which however is meant only for OEM partners who can develop their own modules using the WiMM Labs platform. The Sony Ericsson LiveView is priced at Rs. 2,890 and is available at various e-stores,  while the i’mWatch is priced at Rs. 19,999 onwards and can be purchased from the merchant's own site.

Coffee Machine

Coffee and music, says Android (Image Credit: Yanko Design)

No one might have imagined that a mobile operating system can be used to operate a coffee machine. Android-based Coffee Brewery or Appresso is only still a concept, but quite an interesting one, we must say. Appresso is infused with Android technology that provides information about the taste and also the scent of the coffee. Basically, each coffee capsule has a QR code that Appresso scans and surprisingly also plays a specific song based on the coffee that one has chosen. It serves as a docking station for your devices too, not only capable of charging your phone but also playing music from your device.  The machine also recommends coffee and recognizes your device the next time you dock it.

Microwave

Cook it up with Android

Out of all the products featured here, the MAID (short for Microwave Android Integrated Device) takes the cake for being the least expected one to feature Android. What’s more it has been developed by Kerala-based SectorQube Technolabs. What exactly does it do? You can connect it to the Internet and download recipes and you also have the option to upload your own recipes. Further, it features a voice assistant to read out the ingredients and generally guide you through the cooking process. Currently only a prototype, the company plans to launch it in the market by the year end, priced at around Rs. 7,000 or Rs. 8,000.