Google Shows Off Android Phone

The Associated Press reports that Google revealed its new “Android,” an open-source platform created for smartphones and Internet-capable mobile devices which they initially announced seven months ago.

Among other things, the Android will be able to unlock cell phones by drawing a shape on the screen rather than submitting a password; add favorite places to the phone’s browser; help users navigate thanks to a “compass” which automatically roams for directions while consumers look at city maps on their phones; magnify and zoom in on Internet content; and users can play a cellular version of Pac Man.

According to the AP, the Android is a lot like the iPhone, especially where the use of a touchscreen is involved, but members of the project say that the Android can also be set up to use a tracking ball.

Although the demonstration on Wednesday was the public’s most in depth glimpse into the Android so far, the presentation was short-lived and some questions went unanswered. For example, an overseer of the project neglected to answer questions concerning how much time it will take until cell phone users will be able to buy a phone that is powered by Android. The most he would say is that according to Google’s time line for the project, Android should emerge during the last half of 2008.

In spite of the vague time line, Google has plans to implement an array of products that can run on Android.

The idea driving the Android is Google’s desire to make accessing the Internet on mobile devices easier for consumers. Google further expects to benefit from the ads generated on web pages accessed by the Internet and the Android even has a button which will directly link to YouTube advertising.

Google’s overall success has Microsoft trying to get in on the Internet boom, but due to being able to reach a mutually agreeable price, negotiations to buy Yahoo recently faltered and fell by the wayside.

(May 29, 2008)