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How to use CalendarProvider on Android?

Embedded Systems: How does one go about creating custom hardware on which to use Android instead of writing firmware from scratch? How much work is it?

  • Android can be found on remote controls, car stereos, and refrigerators. We want to make a mobile monitoring device using Android. Android might speed up development by providing us with ready-made protocols for the display, touch screen, wireless communications, etc., which we would otherwise have to write from scratch in C in the firmware. We could simply write a skin/app on top which obscures the normal operation of the OS and replaces it with our functionality. We are familiar with what the hardware requirements of Android are. But, as a small start-up with no previous experience with low-level Android operation (but plenty of experience in software, firmware, and hardware engineering) we have no idea where to begin. Any thoughts, Quora?

  • Answer:

    For someone who claims "plenty of experience in software, firmware, and hardware engineering" your question makes no sense. a) Define (estimate) how much power you need for your application; what peripherals do you need to support? b) See what microprocessors satisfy your I/F and MIPS requirements and at what cost c) See what OS each of these micros already support (all microprocessors  have at least one ref. platform design, some more..); Embedded Linux has been around for many years, you will be surprised how much support is out there for all the functions you want d) Pick one!

Anonymous at Quora Visit the source

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Having done this before one way is to identity a chipset that offers what you are looking for.  Get the reference platform designs from the chipset manufacture and modify to suit you needs.  If dealing with Chinese suppliers you are likely looking at Allwinner, Rockchip or Amlogic.  If you are purchasing more than about 500K chips a year you can likely deal with the manufacture otherwise you will be redirect to a design house.  If you are doing less than about 10K chips a year they may not talk to you.  You still need skilled hardware and software people as the level of support promised will usually fall far short of what will be promised.   In short it is a major undertaking.

David Annett

What you are looking for is a reference design. Several CPU vendors should be able to sell you an Android eval kit with a stock board support package. This BSP will get you going with the application you want to develop. You'll have to invest time, money and energy to pick up, and modify the BSP if you want to do any optimizations at all on the ref. design.Good luck.

Ajay Koliwad

It is like re-inventing a wheel. Building car from the beginning,who has so much time to that?. Key is time to market, how fast you can run. It is easy to say you want to build from scratch. Human capitol is also key. Find out a problem statement. If you to want use android for remote, you do not need samsung S5 mobile, find out a cheaper operating system or device which can help you to GOTO the market in three months.   Findout closest one, subcontract to firms you TRUST on (may be on revenue share model, if you can not afford) If you have experience in firmware and all use them in better projects where you can get faster revenue. Your problem statement, budget (what customer can spend), better solution , TIME to MARKET (macdonald/burgerking concept) are key for the success of what ever you do. best of luck

Ravi Bhaskaruni

I am not very clear about your exact question. However I can share what I do. I use an android and interface this with my customised hardware via USB port. Check some of my designs at http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJ1EMa55lPae8E7ai0E4Qoo6v46Ajw0xA

Vinay Chaddha

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