Raytheon is reportedly coding a battle app that will allow US soldiers to locate enemies in hostile territory using Android-powered smartphones.
Indeed, as Andrew Gould of Android Police so succulently put it, the thought of Global Thermonuclear War launched from a humble Galaxy S truly does “rule.”
Of course, waging an all-out nuclear war may be slightly too complex for the app.
However, the software will likely be sophisticated enough to render real-time aerial images from a UAV or satellite, and then zoom in on details such as license plates or facial features.
“We’re trying to take advantage of smartphone technology to tailor for what soldiers may need in the field,” Raytheon spokesperson Mark Bigham told Reuters.
“[And] Google has helped us push the limits of the phone.”
According to Bigham, US Special Forces troops have already tested the app on a number of Motorola and HTC smartphones.
Future Raytheon handsets – which are expected to carry a $500 price tag – will boast a color touchscreen, GPS, advanced encryption, and special communications gear for remote areas.
“What you have to do is provide your own communications networks…Communication coverage is absolutely an issue but there are very cost effective solutions that you can use which give you a pretty big foot print,” he added.
