Recently, Google just releases a new beta Android software development kit (SDK), Version 0.9, the open-source mobile operating system backed by Google.

An early version of Android SDK was released in November and, although some developers praised it, many said they found it buggy. The SDK was announced on the Android Developers Blog.

According to Dan Morrill, Google Developer Advocate on the Android Developers Blog, the goal with the early version was “to give developers insight into the platform as early on as possible, and to get some initial feedback.” Since that release, Google has been working with the Open Handset Alliance to utilize developers’ feedback and get ready for the release of the first devices, now expected in the fourth quarter.

According to Morril, the beta SDK is another step toward an Android 1.0 release. He added that it is stable and Google do not expect any major changes. However, there are changes from the first release. The beta is including a new home screen, along with various user-interface changes. It is also including an alarm clock, a camera, a calculator, a picture viewer, a music player, and SMS/MMS text messaging. In addition, there are also new development tools, which are including a graphical preview for XML layouts for users of Eclipse, plus new APIs and what he described as “tons” of bug fixes.

Morril also pointed to the Android Developer Roadmap, a dynamic document that is continually updated with achieved and upcoming milestones. Its time line that includes recently release, points to additional, pre-1.0 SDK releases in September, and the 1.0 release in the third or fourth quarter. Moreover, it is also includes other milestones for the fourth quarter, including the first availability at retail of Android 1.0 devices, a release of source code, and a “key announcement” on Android Developer Challenge II.

According to Al Hilwa, program director at research firm IDC, Google is obviously in a big rush to get this out. Meanwhile, T-Mobile is expected to offer an HTC Android phone by this year’s holiday season. Moreover, he predicted that the successful device launching would happen in the Christmas season by this year.

Hilwa stated in the developer community that anything from Google would be exciting. However, as other observers have recently noted, Apple and other established device makers are also courting them. In fact, some developers are beginning to realize that Android “is not going to reach its potential” for several years.

According to Hilwa, in particular, Apple is about two to three years ahead of everyone else in the main race, turning the smart phone into a gadget to replace the computer. Moreover, he stated that within 10 years or less, it could become commonplace to use a smart phone in a docking station, as notebooks today.

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