Technology can be cold and harsh -- circuit boards, processors, and programming languages. For some, there is beauty in the technology itself. For other people, the beauty is found in what is created using that technology.
Android is the most popular Linux-based operating system of all time -- a great choice for creative developers. It took the scary Linux world of command lines and elitist support communities and delivered something normal human beings could use. Today, Google launches AndroidExperiments.com -- a site dedicated to projects and experiments that utilize the mobile operating system. Consider it a museum of modern art, but for Android apps.
"Android was created as an open and flexible platform, giving people more ways to come together to imagine and create. Developers everywhere have used the unique capabilities of the platform to push the limits of what’s possible on phones, tablets, watches and beyond", says Google.
The Alphabet subsidiary further explains, "we're working to document featured experiments and make them open source so anyone can see how they are made, or get inspired to create their own. Our hope is to encourage more developers to challenge how we interact with the devices we use every day".
What is particularly cool is that anyone can submit their projects to the Android Experiments site. With that said, not every project will be selected. Obviously, Google will want to keep the gallery full of quality projects only. The problem with that, of course, is that the search-giant could reject projects that are controversial.
As you can see in the below video, however, some of the projects are not only unique, but downright weird.
Google lists what it is looking for in submissions below.
- Innovative use of new or unique features of the Android platform.
- Projects that explore how we interact with our devices, in small and big ways.
- Unique and extraordinary visual aesthetics.
- Open source projects that can inspire other developers.
- Surprise us -- we want to see the amazing things you’re cooking up.
The company seems to be pretty flexible, as the listed things are mostly subjective. There is one hard requirement, however -- your project must use Android 4.4 or higher. If you want to submit a project, you can do so here.
What are some of your favorite projects in the gallery? Tell me in the comments.