TI expands support for open source

DALLAS & SAN DIEGO, USA: /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) has announced that its Bluetooth and wireless LAN (WLAN) technology software drivers are available for use in the Open Handset Alliance's Android platform. Open access to these technologies simplifies the design process for handset manufacturers and software developers, providing the resources to architect cutting-edge Android-based devices. TI, a long-time supporter of the open source software community, is the first company to provide open source Bluetooth and WLAN software drivers for the Android platform, and is among the first to open WLAN drivers for the mobile industry.

"TI continues to increase its contributions to the open source community, removing barriers and sparking development of a new breed of mobile devices," said Haviv Ilan, general manager, TI's Wireless Business Unit. "Contributing our Bluetooth and WLAN driver source codes to the Open Handset Alliance's Android platform is another step in this initiative."

TI announced support for the Android platform earlier this year with its OMAP 3 applications processors, and is now providing the critical connectivity elements for its BlueLink Bluetooth and WiLink WLAN technologies. Pre-integrating the codes into the Android platform gives developers and handset manufacturers a comprehensive set of tools that simplify the innovation process and reduce time to market. Additionally, TI leverages the Apache and BSD-style licenses in support of the Android platform. With these licenses, a broader number of companies will be able to adopt the Android platform and build on top of it without having to expose proprietary technologies. The flexibility offered with these licenses simplifies the development of consumer devices and encourages further adoption of open source software.

TI remains committed to supporting open platforms and standards. The company joined the Open Handset Alliance as a founding member in 2007, supporting Android development with its OMAP, Bluetooth and WLAN technologies. In addition to the Open Handset Alliance, TI participates in a number of consortiums that further promote open source development, including the BlueZ community that provides support for the core Bluetooth layers and protocols.

A multinational alliance of technology and mobile industry leaders, the Open Handset Alliance is committed to fostering innovation on mobile devices and bringing consumers innovative new mobile experiences. The first product of that commitment is the development of Android, a truly open and comprehensive platform for mobile devices. Through Android, developers, wireless operators, and handset manufacturers will be better positioned to bring innovative new products to market faster and at a much lower cost. The end result will be an unprecedented mobile platform that will enable wireless operators and manufacturers to give their customers better, more personal, and more flexible mobile experiences.