BREW - Definition and Overview

BREW is an application development platform created by Qualcomm for CDMA-based mobile phones. Standing for Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless, it is a software that can download and run small programs for playing games, sending messages, sharing photos, etc. The main advantage of BREW platform is that the application developers can easily port their applications between all the Qualcomm ASICs. It debuted in January 2001.

Software

For software people, it is a complete set of APIs that enables software development and applications in C, C++ and Java and is supported (platform) by an ASIC. It has a footprint of about 150K.

BREW Application Development

Software for the BREW-enabled handsets can be developed in C or C++ using the freely downloadable BREW SDK (https://brewx.qualcomm.com/brew/sdk/download.jsp). The SDK includes a BREW Emulator which can be used for testing during development process. Unlike J2ME platform, where any developer can upload and execute software on any supported handset, BREW applications must be digitally signed. Because BREW gives complete control over the handset hardware, only content providers or authenticated BREW developers (http://brew.qualcomm.com/brew/en/developer/resources/gs/get_auth.html) have the tools necessary to create a digital signature. Furthermore, developer-signed applications can only execute on test-enabled handsets. Once the application has been developed and internally tested, it must be submitted to Qualcomm for TRUE BREW Testing (http://brew.qualcomm.com/brew/en/developer/resources/bd/ext_test.html). After the application passes all tests, it may be offered to a mobile operator (content provider) to be accessible for download to general handsets. The application is then signed by the content provider, to allow its execution on any supported BREW handset.

External links

• BREW (http://brew.qualcomm.com/brew/en/about/about_brew.html)

See also

• Smartphone
• platform

Example Usage of BREW