14 DAY TRIAL // We've witnessed the Android OS from Google being implemented into a whole range of devices, from smartphones to multimedia tablets, but it seems that the people over at Vidtronic might have come up with a completely different (yet equally innovative) use for the Android, namely a TV that you can assemble yourself.
So, as AndroidCentral reports, Vidtonic will be introducing the HomeBrew IPTV Developer Kit at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, this platform being powered by the Android operating system and giving software developers the ability to create applications targeted for the television screen.
The HomeBrew Kit is presented as a hardware/software platform kit designed for Android developers to bring their applications to the TV screen and includes television housing, cables, 1080p LCD panel in various sizes, power supply and a motherboard using an ARM/DSP microprocessor solution.
The platform allows enthusiasts to build their own television, powered by Android, while in the same time giving developers the open platform they need to write their own made-for-TV Android powered applications.
Matt Miller, Vidtonic co-founder says, “Our vision with Vidtonic is to empower Android developers to create for TV platforms. Let's level the playing field for TV application developers as it has been done in the mobile marketplace.”
“Your skills as an Android developer in the mobile space can now translate directly to the consumer electronics and IPTV space. We want to help popularize the idea that Android isn't simply for smart phones and give developers the opportunity to create great things,” added the company's rep.
The Homebrew platform is expected to launch in 2Q11 with early adopter releases rolling out in 1Q11, while Vidtonic claims that they will be opening the HomeBrew user/developer forums immediately following CES in January.