Difference between revisions of "Category:How to - Android"

Revision as of 23:25, 13 September 2010

Android on Overo

The rowboat-android project is focuses on creating a port of Android for the TI OMAP processors such as the OMAP3503 and OMAP3530 used on the Gumstix Overo boards. By following these instructions, it is possible to get a version of Android running on the Overo. First, follow the instructions here to download and setup the rowboat project. Use rowboat-froyo.xml as the manifest name. The Android build system uses the repo tool to control a set of git repositories which, together can create an Android image; the repo tool is controlled with a manifest file. Let's create our own addition to the manifest file to pick up the additional Overo-specific material. Create a file called local_manifest.xml in the .repo directory that looks like this: <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <manifest>

 <remote  name="gumstix"
          fetch="git://gitorious.org/android-for-overo"
          review="" />
 <project path="device/gumstix/overo"
          name="device-gumstix-overo"
          remote="gumstix"
          revision="master" />
 </manifest>

Follow up with a repo sync.

To build a kernel, follow these steps; you can use overo_android_defconfig to configure the kernel. For the time being, you can get this file here.

Finally, follow these instructions to build a root file system using TARGET_PRODUCT=overo as the argument for make.

In order to create a bootable microSD, use a recent MLO and U-boot from gumstix, along with the generated root file system and kernel that you've just built.

In u-boot, I issue the following commands:

$ setenv andbootargs 'setenv bootargs console=${console} mpurate=${mpurate} androidboot.console=ttyS2 console=tty0 root=${mmcroot} rw init=/init rootwait vram=12M omapfb.mode=dvi:1024x768MR-16@60 omapdss.def_disp=${defaultdisplay}'
$ setenv andbootcmd 'mmc init; fatload mmc 0 ${loadaddr} uImage; run andbootargs; bootm ${loadaddr}'
$ saveenv

To boot Android, just type run andbootcmd at the u-boot prompt.

Patches and improvements are most welcome---please send to ash (at) gumstix.com

Android on FLOW

GizmoForYou has ported Android Cupcake and Eclair to the Overo line of platforms for their FLOW G1 and G1.5 Open Source PDA/Phone. The port supports many features that exist on the Overo platform as well as other FLOW features.

Mailing list archives

For recent postings on the Gumstix mailing list about Android, click here.

Android on Verdex Pro

Mobile Device called "bc9"

BeatCraft, Inc. is developing verdex pro based mobile device named "bc9" and have successfully booted Android on it. Click here for more.

Android on Gumstix videos on Youtube

On Youtube, you can watch Android start up on a Gumstix in these videos posted on Youtube

Also, check the Gumstix mailing list archives for some threads about Android on Gumstix Overo and Verdex Pro COMs.

Other Useful Links

Android - an open alliance handset project

Android is a software stack for mobile devices that includes an operating system, middleware and key applications. The Android SDK provides the tools and APIs necessary to begin developing applications to run on Android-powered devices.

The Android developer site provides information about Google projects based on the Android platform, such as external libraries that extend the Android platform, Android applications, hosted services and APIs, and more.

Porting Guide to Beagleboard

Click here for the Android porting guide to the Beagle Board]

Installing Android on OMAP platforms

This project focuses on the platform specific layers need to install Android on supported OMAP platforms.

Further instructions and information can be posted here..