MIPS Technologies has ported Google's Android operating system to the MIPS processor architecture, aiming to expand the use of Android beyond phones, into digital TVs, mobile internet devices, digital picture frames and set-top boxes.
"Initially finding success in the mobile phone market, Android is now set to move into other digital consumer devices," said the processor firm. "Android's ready-to-use software stack provides a device-agnostic application development platform, and a common framework for the industry."
The source code will be made publicly available within 60 days, said MIPS, whose licensees are demonstrating Android products at Computex in Taipei.
Third party tool developers are supporting the port.
Linux firm Embedded Alley - Android is built on the Linux kernel - is offering a version of the Android Dalvik virtual machine optimised for the MIPS instruction set; is extending the Android bionic library, linker and other software infrastructure for MIPS; and is providing integration and testing board support, device drivers, CODECs and other middleware.
Viosoft is also in, with its Arriba tools support single and multi-core MIPS.
"Viosoft provides a set of tools to enable the porting, debugging and deployment of the Android platform on MIPS," said Art Lee, its v-p of business development.
MIPS also announced that it has joined the Open Embedded Software Foundation (OESF), an organisation focused on standardisation and development of Android platforms for embedded devices beyond mobile handsets.
For more information, see: www.mips.com/android.
See also: Android targets automotive systems with MIPS port
See also: The Electronics Weekly guide to the iPhone 3G, a roundup of news and content on Apple's latest mobile phone.