Microchip Rolls Out Android Development Kit

Microchip Technology, Inc. has rolled out an accessory development kit for Android-based mobile devices. The kit could be used to develop applications for automotive, home, fitness, health, and business applications.

            Known as Accessory Development Starter Kits for Android, it features a development board with USB connector, on-board debugger, programming user interface, and host of third-party daughter cards. The kit is specifically targeted Android versions 2.3.4 and 3.1 and later. Those versions include a new framework that allows apps to communicate directly with an accessory connected to a smart phone or tablet, via USB.

            Android is a software stack from Google, Inc. that includes an operating system, middleware and applications. The operating system, based on the Linux kernel, is targeted at mobile applications.

            Microchip says that the new kit could be used for car audio, GPS, audio docks, remote controls, data backup, glucose meters, fitness equipment, and credit card terminals, among numerous other applications.