Since Google added both operating systems and mobile phones to their lucrative search business, most tech pundits predict it's only a matter of time before they introduce a tablet device to compete with the AppleiPad.
Their recent purchase of BumpTop, a company known for its innovative 3D desktop interface for Windows and Mac desktops, is a shot across the bow of Apple's interface design team. Some criticism of the iPad centers on the fact that it brings little in interface innovation beyond a larger screen when compared to an iPhone.
There's an embedded YouTube video showing BumpTop in action after this article.
BumpTop discontinues support for Windows and Mac versions
It's obvious that Google wants its new toy to itself, considering the message on BumpTop's home page thanking users for the support, but that their Windows and Mac versions are being discontinued. The freeware version of BumpTop will be no longer available for download after a week.
While BumpTop for the Android OS is a definite possibility, what's also likely is that this interface technology makes its way intoGoogle's other offerings, like Google TV.
Is a 3D desktop interface that important?
While the top level UI for any operating system is important, what really makes a difference are the actual apps running on the OS. Seeing the nearly 20 year old desktop metaphor for a computer user interface finally reach adulthood with 3D isn't as inspiring as the possibility of Google actually putting the hooks for BumpTop's UI technology into the Android API.
If that happens, Android developers will have access to many UI features that could make their apps stand out among other Android apps and with apps written for the iPhone OS. And that's what will make the good folks in Cupertino take notice. Well, that and a Google store opening up next toEaston Apple Store!