Google and the Open Handset Alliance yesterday flung wide open the doors to the coveted Android platform source code.
The move will mean that the source code is made available to anyone that wants it, for free, so that they can develop mobile devices and applications, as well as helping to evolve the platform.
It should also help original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and carriers to quickly and cost effectively build the kinds of devices and services that users demand – and hopefully pass some of their technical innovation back down the food chain.
"Open source allows everyone and anyone equal access to the ideas and innovation that can make good products great," said Andy Rubin, senior director of mobile platforms at Google.
"An open source mobile platform that’s constantly being improved upon by the community and is available for everyone to use, speeds innovation, is an engine of economic opportunity and provides a better mobile experience for users."