Suppose, someone wants to replace the default frontend of an Android device by a new custom one. Once which provides certain functionality by means of a special purpose application – but not even a bit of any other Android application.
In other words: How to convert an Android device into a special purpose device.
I wonder, if this is an approach, for which the Android SDK provides options.
It is possible? How to reach this goal? Please provide technical insights.
Edit and reply @CommonsWare:
I don’t want to have a Linux OS with some UI, but a standard device, which provides the standard Android SDK, since the SDK’s API is well suited for touch based applications. Additionally, Android SDK is well know by many developers.
A way to have a single user-space app control the device, as if this app would be the only app, would be fine too.
E.g. Apple provides ways to shrink fit iOS (in certain ways): Disable apps, hide controls or disable mobile radio.
Assuming you want to keep the android runtime & UI libraries to use as your building blocks, I think you would start by implementing your all in one application as a replacement home screen launcher.
You can test all of the feature-functionality of this on an unmodified, unrooted device – however anyone can go into settings and reselect the original launcher.
To deploy in a secured form you would need to modify an android build – remove the option to de-select your app, possibly disable adb (tradeoff vs. serviceability), remove any application markets, remove all of the Google account services and setup wizard, etc.