Transcript Slide 1
Android
Software vs. Hardware
Android is Google's operating system (like
windows, linux, OS X)
G1 phone is the phone hardware made my
HTC (like a Dell, IBM, HP laptop)
Why Android?
Open source: anyone can use it, change it as
they want
Many manufacturers producing phones (HTC,
Samsung, Motorola, etc.)
Like many phones, access to applications
written by non-Google people: ODK
Multitasking... run more than one app at same
time
Why Android?
Allows deep access to phone's hardware
Programmers can write apps that access
camera, GPS, sensors, etc.
Allows innovative apps: like Where's my
Droid.
ODK: Access to GPS, camera, barcode
scanner, video camera, audio recording
Compare with iPhone. Design isn't as
polished, but more useful apps. ODK not
possible.
Android Market & App development:
Phonalyzer: access to call log
Facebook, Weather Channel, Shop Saavy,
Shazam
Picasa Albums and YouTube uploads
Google Maps: search, driving directions, etc.
My Tracks: story from Kenya
Voice recognition, Visual Search, translate,
speech to text
Example app: road conditions: accelerator
senses how rough the road is.
Where to buy Androids:
Not yet approved for many countries in Africa:
government restrictions
Senegal and South Africa: Leaf company
issues. Caveat of open source.
Order from US/Europe.... Nexus:
http://www.google.com/phone
Unlocked vs. subsidized phones
ODK
ODK Development
Application that runs on Android phones, server
that runs on computer collect data.
Developed by students at University of
Washington...
Isn't a Google project... but great use of Android,
investigating how to support
Powerful questionnaire language, used replace
paper forms, separate photo/gps collection
Forms for ODK Collect
Xforms is XML language, like HTML
JavaRosa extensions to Xforms,
offer translations
Rules
relevant questions.
ODK? What kind of questions?
Text questions: name person/village, comments
Numbers: How many children in family?
Multiple choice: choose one (Goma, Kitchanga)
Checkboxes: all that apply
(medical problems: malnutrition, HIV, diabetes)
ODK? What kind of questions?
Dates
Images, video, audio recordings
GPS location. No internet/mobile required
ID - Barcode scanner
Constraints for Questions
Required or optional questions (e.g. name of
person registering, vs. additional comments)
Ability to apply rules to questions: How many
parents living in camp with you? <= 2
Ability to change questions based on earlier
answers. Man/woman? Pregnant?
Weaknesses
Must use Android phones. No laptops/computers.
Cost, durability, training vs. paper.
Creating forms is complicated... web editor is
being developed
Battery usage
Requires wireless or mobile connection, or return
to office with memory card
Susceptible to physical damage
Phones, computers crash
ODK Aggregate is very young... HCR
replacement viable.