Google IO, Arduino based ADK for Android Launches, Hackers Rejoice

In what looks to be a match made in heaven, Google as announced some steps which show the direction that it wants to go in. One of the major announcements at the 2011 Google IO conference is Android Open Accessory support for android devices which will apply to Android versions as far back as 2.3.4.

The development kit provides an interface for Android devices, via their USB port, developers and designers can now get on with bringing external devices and innovations and connect them to Android. The Arduino – An Open-Source electronic prototyping platform is very popular with the open source community. A variety of sensors, interfaces and applications are made possible with the platform which is also accessible to coders with limited experience. By marrying the two, Google clearly hopes to spark some innovative new extensions to the Android platform.

Google showed off the ADK with this video of an Android controlled 5000 pound Labyrinth that tilts in sync with the Android mobile. An impressive beginning.