Android world tour takes OS to developers
Though the figures continue to depict a mobile apps market dominated by iPhone, there's no denying Android has been gaining traction with developers of late.
Statistics suggesting Android Marketplace hit 20,000 apps in December certainly illustrated a marked acceleration in the platform's take up in the latter half of 2009, particularly following the launch of Motorola Droid.
Android's Developer Labs program can claim at least a small portion of that success, essentially enabling studios to test drive their apps on Android devices, with events held in five cities across the globe last November.
It's a format that is now set to be expanded, Android's developers blog revealing that 15 new sessions are planned in cities across the globe, London, New York, Paris and Berlin notable stops along the way.
"At each stop, we'll be delivering an update on the state of the Android platform, including a look at the latest Android hardware," says Android developer advocate Reto Meier.
"It's a great opportunity to meet like-minded Android app developers, play with the latest Android devices, test your apps, and ask Android team members any questions you might have."
Rather than winging its way across the planet in one long swoop, events will be taking place simultaneously in different cities.
North America
* Austin, Texas Feb 4
* Seattle, Washington Feb 8
* Waterloo, Ontario, Canada Feb 8
* Washington, D.C. Feb 9
* Mountain View, California Feb 10
* Cambridge, Massachusetts Feb 11
* New York, New York Feb 12
Europe
* London, UK Feb 2
* Paris, France Feb 8
* Berlin, Germany Feb 10
* Zurich, Switzerland Feb 13
* Madrid, Spain Feb 13
Asia
* Singapore Feb 28
* Taipei, Taiwan March 3
* Hong Kong March 4
The tour will also call in on three Android user groups in Stockholm (4th Feb), London (5th Feb), and Chicago (6th Feb).
Developers interested in taking part are advised to register and book a spot at one or more of the dates by February 1st, space already described as "limited".