The US Army is set to get its own smartphone and Apple and Microsoft won't be happy as it's going to be running Android. Apparently the phone will be “A prototype device running Android called the Joint Battle Command-Platform (JBC-P Handheld), developed by tech nonprofit MITRE, is undergoing tests.” this will allow soldiers to quickly and securely share geotagged notes about obstacles they encounter on the ground. It will also support mapping, critical messaging and other support functions.
The JBC-P Handheld is an “Android-based smartphone framework and suite of applications for tactical operations. … Applications will be secure and interoperable with existing mission command systems so information flows seamlessly across all echelons of the force.” It sounds like it's going to become a vital tool for the military and it's surprising it hasn't been developed sooner. Usually the military test-drive the latest gadgets way before consumers. But we've been chomping up smartphones like there's no tomorrow for a few years now.
Not only is this good news for Google but third-party developers will be excited about the prospect
building apps and services for the Army smartphone. In July, the Army will release a development kit for the platform. Applications will need to share data and resources across the platform allowing fine-tune targeting for missiles and other munitions, as well as request specific aerial drone or satellite reconnaissance.
This is just another example of Android's growing dominance of the portable device OS market but what do you think about the news? Are you on Android if so, are you proud your OS will help it our troops in conflict or are you fiercely anti-war and feel a little uneasy about the cute little green Android zipping up it’s camo and loading up its guns?