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U.S. Army chooses Android for smartphones

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 22 Apr 2011 3:19 User comments (2)

U.S. Army chooses Android for smartphones The U.S. Army has selected Android as its OS of choice for upcoming Army-approved smartphones and tablets, as well as for apps that will be necessary for missions.
While there have been concerns about stability, security and connectivity for Android as compared to other mobile OS, most are muted, and the Army will be able to use the open source software as they choose, likely beefing up security.

During combat, the devices will likely have to have satellite phone-capabilities, meaning round-the-clock data and voice with no lapses.

The Army wants every soldier to have one of the future Android devices, to ensure they are connected during missions.

A prototype dubbed the Joint Battle Command-Platform is already being tested.

Apps will include "critical messaging" for exchanging medevac requests and other emergencies, and A Blue Force Tracker program to make sure soldiers know where friendlies are.



Finally, the phones will be able to withstand extreme wear-and-tear and will likely be similar to the rugged "ToughBooks" created by Panasonic.

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2 user comments

123.4.2011 01:17

Someone at the DoD just loves Linux...first the PS3 supercomputer, now androids on the battle field. For the sake of the troops, I hope they don't use 2.1

224.4.2011 20:15

for everyone's sake I hope everything will be 3 or better it about time our gov uses something they can control nice hope to see some in army surplus store soon even 1 year would be fine for a rugged tablet that's like got bullet proof glass on it titatium casing and better then 6 hour battery.... but way kewl the tuff book's are great and the first with with good tablet software but nice I want one in od green

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