---
title: "Android, the GPL, and Java: The Q's with No A's"
date: 2007-11-05T21:58:22Z
modified: 2007-11-05T21:58:22Z
permalink: "https://redmonk.com/sogrady/2007/11/05/android-the-gpl-and-java-the-qs-with-no-as/"
type: post
status: publish
excerpt: ""
wpid: 1821
categories:
  - Open Source
timestamp: 2007-11-05T21:58:22Z
tags:
  - Open Source
---

So the gPhone is [finally](http://rc3.org/2007/11/the-google-phon.php) [here](http://blog.rlove.org/2007/11/open-handset-alliance.html). Only it’s not called the gPhone. And there is no actual phone, just something called [Android](http://www.openhandsetalliance.com/android_overview.html).

Still, I’m intrigued as an analyst and potentially excited as a consumer. More on the why later, but as a hint it’s got very little to do with technology. Before I get there we have questions. We being the folks debating the news in #redmonk this afternoon.

The one I really can’t figure out is this: how did Google (and friends) manage to [build](http://www.openhandsetalliance.com/android_faq.html) a “complete mobile phone software stack” built on the GPL licensed “open Linux Kernel” that’s itself licensed under the “commercial-friendly” Apache v2 license that protects would-be adopters from the “from the ‘viral infection’ problem.” Before you ask, yes that’s a direct quote, and yes I think using it is an exceptionally poor decision. I expected more from you, Google.

Also, Java. Is Android built on Java, as [this Times](http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/05/technology/05cnd-gphone.html?ex=1351918800&en=0144be59d0d985e6&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&exprod=cnetAd) article and Jonathan’s [blog](http://blogs.sun.com/jonathan/entry/congratulations_google) claims? If so, why is that technology conspicuously absent from the [Open Handset Alliance](http://www.openhandsetalliance.com) site? And if we assume the Times and Schwartz – fairly reputable sources both – have it correct, again, the licensing question. Last I checked Java was firmly committed to the GPL camp, and not on great terms with Apache licenses.

So inquiring minds want to know: how does all of this work?

Google’s got enough lawyers to populate a small country, so I’m quite sure there’s a logical and legal explanation, but a number of us are curious as to what – precisely – that is.

Any answers appreciated.