Attack Of The Android – 18 Android Phones Before Christmas
According to Andy Rubin, senior director for Mobile Platforms for Google, we will see at least 18 phones powered by Android operating system before Christmas 2009.
There are already 2 phones being sold which run on Android operating system: T-Mobile’s G1 and Vodafone’s Magic. Both devices made by HTC. Mr. Rubin did not mention which manufacturers will bring new devices to the market but it seems that they will appear in Europe
first.
Indeed, the ramp-up of Android phones intensifies a battle among some of the world’s biggest software companies to create the operating system for the world’s phones (of which there are now 4 billion). Android goes up against a coming-soon new version of Microsoft’s mobile version of Windows (Windows Mobile 7), Apple’s proprietary iPhone system, the Blackberry platform, a new Palm OS for its Pre called WebOS, Symbian (mostly proferred by Nokia) and a host of Linux-based systems.
On the question of apps, Mr. Rubin reinforced Google’s position that Android is an “open” platform, though, critically, that concept has some nuance to it. It goes like this: there are three flavors of Android. Each is free. But the versions place different requirements on the handset manufacturers and wireless carriers. The differing versions – and the way they’re being adopted – gives an insight both into Google’s goals and to the way the market is receiving those goals.
1. The obligation-free option: device manufacturers can download a free version of Android, load onto their devices and provide access to as many or as few apps as they want. But the manufacturers cannot preload popular Google applications, like Gmail or Google calendar.
2. The small strings option: Same as Option 1, except that manufacturers sign a distribution agreement to include on the phone Google applications. Of the 18 to 20 phones coming out this year, Mr. Rubin said, 12 to 14 subscribe to this option.
3. The bigger strings option or the no-censorship version: These phones Google calls “The Google Experience.” They are physically distinguishable by the “Google” logo on the phone. They include a range of Google applications that the carrier and handset maker agree not to remove from the phone. The carrier and handset maker also agree not to censor access to the Android market. Meaning: if some developer comes up with an application that some people find distasteful, or that gets bad press, it must nevertheless remain available to consumers. Of the phones coming out this year, 5 to 6 belong to this category, Mr. Rubin said.
The third category provides risk and reward opportunities. The openness of the store could be a hit with consumers, but could also lead to poorly constructed applications or ones, like the baby shaking app for the iPhone, that could give Google a taint (however temporary and press driven).
When it comes to apps, Mr. Rubin said: “We want to abide by the law, but not rule with an open fist.”
Source: NY Times
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