In case you do not follow technology (ok, so why are you here?), Oracle, the company that bought Sun Microsystems, wants Google to pay for each instance they use Java.  Originally, when Android was developed (and no, Google did not invent Android, they bought it years back) they went to Sun to use Java.  Now years later, Oracle owning Java now, wants to try and capitalize on the success of Android.  Or more closely, Larry Ellison, CEO, wants to capitalize.  Google contents they received permission from Sun at the time and Larry on trial even said he does not know if Java is free.

This case, which we expect the jury decision soon, could drastically change the landscape.  If Oracle wins, they will most likely seek damages and money from Google.  How much?  I guess the jury or judge will decide, but it could change Android for the worse.  This could then also become a precedent in other open source/freeware/shareware cases, not to the advantage of the average consumer.  If Google wins, Android will continue to be the dominant mobile platform and just get stronger.

This will effect education now as well.  More and more schools continue to seek out cheaper and/or more open solutions to Apple’s iOS line of devices.  In my district, you all know we go for Samsung Galaxy devices.  In an Oracle win, would the licensing on an Android device skyrocket and remove one of our main reasons we use Google?  Would we, dare to say it, switch to Apple?  The forbidden fruit in my district?  Maybe…