Marc Lavallée wrote:
Stefan Schreiber <st...@mail.telepac.pt> a écrit :
The Android OS is "open", although not entirely:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_%28operating_system%29#Licensing
Very closely controlled by Google, even if being based on Linux and
some (propietary) hack of Java?
Yes, developed and controlled by Google (because it owns the Android
copyright...).
As for Java, it is now a free software and its
implementation for Android (Dalvik), is free too.
Really?! Java is not free, unless you are referring (only) to the
programming language. (Libraries? VM?)
Android is a big
step in the right direction (as least in terms of licensing). Google is
huge, but there are other free OSes based on Linux for phones and small
devices, that started long before Android. Also, Ubuntu is now
targeting the phone and tablet market (without using Java).
I was (obviously) aware of Ubuntu, Firefox OS etc.
Now I don't hate Android, but what about any Linux where you can't
install your own software? This is supposedly "open"? Not entirely
open? (Laughing...)
(Answer: "Open" for the industry, not user. )
Android is "open" for both the industry and the (tech savvy) users. We
can install our own software on tons of different Android devices.
Users can install free software without the Google Market app, using
the F-Droid app, or manually with apk packages.
It doesn't work always, and therefore is a hack. (Because
manufacturers/providers try to lock the system.)
Have you ever installed a "free Android update"? ;-)
The Replicant OS is a fork of Android, using only free software
(except from some bootloaders and drivers):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Replicant_%28operating_system%29
Most mainstream phones work with non-free drivers and bootloaders, but
there are some phones and SoC (system on a chip) devices that are
providing free drivers.
From "most" to "some" phones, but if I think on which Android is based
it looks like an accident. :-)
My point is that it's possible to build
ambisonics players using cheap technologies with free software only;
there's maybe an opportunity to develop a parallel "industry" for
ambisonics content and delivery (I'm being naïve and idealistic).
I am abolutely in favour of this, "even" considering that a free3D audio
codec could be developped without the MPEG, or say outside the MPEG.
Currently, I try to evaluate what is happening...
Best,
Stefan
_______________________________________________
Sursound mailing list
Sursound@music.vt.edu
https://mail.music.vt.edu/mailman/listinfo/sursound
