Stuff to Blog About and More: Google Android Phone

Google Android is making it's debut to the public today thanks to the folks at T-Mobil.
The first cell-phone based on Google's Android platform went on sale .

T-Mobile USA began offering the G1, made by Taiwan's High-Tech Computer.

What is Android?
According to Google, the Android platform is a software stack for mobile devices including an operating system, middleware and key applications. Developers can create applications for the platform using the Android SDK. Applications are written using the Java programming language and run on Dalvik, a custom virtual machine designed for embedded use, which runs on top of a Linux kernel.

A beta version of the Android SDK is available for download. Along with the Android framework and application libraries, it includes sample projects with source code, a device emulator, and development tools for monitoring and debugging your code and GUI layout.

The Open Handset Alliance, a group of more than 30 technology and mobile companies, developed Android: the first complete, open, and free mobile platform. To help developers get started developing new applications, we're offering the Android Software Development Kit.

About the Phone and Android
Apps without borders

Apps on Android can access core mobile device functionality through standard APIs. Through intents, apps can announce their capabilities for other apps to use. Watch video

Apps can easily embed the web

Apps can easily embed HTML, Javascript, and style sheets. An app can render web content through a WebView. Watch video

Apps are created equal

Any app on the mobile device can be replaced or extended -- even core components such as the dialer or home. Watch video

Apps can run in parallel

Android is a complete multitasking environment where apps can run in parallel. While running in the background, an app can produce notifications to get attention. Watch video

What to like about Android...

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Browser Tricks

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Copy & Paste

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Reader & Photos

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Media & Browser

FTC: Your Rights: Credit Reporting

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, has prepared a brochure, Your Access to Free Credit Reports, explaining your rights under the FCRA and how to order a free annual credit report.

A credit report includes information on where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you've been sued, arrested, or filed for bankruptcy. Nationwide consumer reporting companies sell the information in your report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting a home.

How do I order my free report?

You can order your free annual credit report online at annualcreditreport.com, by calling 1-877-322-8228, or by completing the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mailing it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

When you order, you need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. To verify your identity, you may need to provide some information that only you would know, like the amount of your monthly mortgage payment.

A Warning About "Imposter" Sites

The FTC advises consumers who order their free annual credit reports online to be sure to correctly spell annualcreditreport.com, or link to it from the FTC's website to avoid being misdirected to other websites that offer supposedly free reports,but only with the purchase of other products. While consumers may be offered additional products or services while on the authorized website, they are not required to make a purchase to receive their free annual credit reports.

For more information on free annual credit reports, read Your Access to Free Credit Reports.