Android Bytes (powered by Esper)

The hidden costs of building an Android phone


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As a manufacturer, building an Android phone to the spec you want has its challenges and costs. You need to deal with dozens of regulatory agencies and standards bodies as well as (shudder) work with carriers if you want a chance at making a splash with a new product.

From assembly to testing to retail, OSOM Privacy is chugging along as it prepares to launch its first smartphone, and we're glad to have co-founder/CEO Jason Keats and chief product officer Gary Anderson join us again for a special, extended, freewheeling episode of Android Bytes.

  • 03:33 - 05:40 - Trademark secrecy, gatekeeping IMEI numbers
  • 05:43 - 07:32 - Certifying with the FCC (and other telecom agencies)
  • 07:34 - 13:40 - Bluetooth, WiFi, 4G, 5G, USB, and other certifications
  • 13:41 - 16:08 - IP ratings
  • 16:10 - 18:00 - Making a phone "unbreakable", or at least ruggedized (MIL-STD-810)
  • 18:07 - 23:35 - Drop tests, glass durability, and foldables
  • 23:38 - 26:17 - How to navigate the confusing mess of certifications
  • 27:00 - 32:07 - Pre-production hardware, EVTs, DVTs, etc.
  • 32:08 - 42:12 - Factory software provisioning, tooling, and signing
  • 44:26 - 50:06 - Cellular band support, VoLTE, and carrier certification
  • 50:10 - 52:30 - Why shipping phones in Japan, India, Russia, and Brazil is costly
  • 52:33 - 55:55 - Carrier software requirements
  • 55:57 - 59:30 - Widevine DRM, Netflix certification, and RSAs for preloads
  • 1:05:52 - 1:08:03 - Buttons, ports, and a future without them

Android Bytes is hosted by Mishaal Rahman, Senior Technical Editor, and David Ruddock, Editor in Chief, of Esper.

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Android Bytes (powered by Esper)By Esper.io