Google’s Android Is On Schedule

Bloomberg reveals that Google Inc., which owns the most popular and widely used search engine in the world, will be launching their line of mobile phones, the first to run on the company’s operating System, Android, right in schedule. They are due to be available by the latter half of 2008. Given the enthusiasm of carriers, makers of handsets, developers, and consumers, the project is rapidly gaining momentum.

Android is designed as a smart phone, so consumers will be able to check their email, browse the Web, and even watch videos on the cell phones. Google developed Android to compete with smart phones and systems being offered by Microsoft Corporation, Apple Inc., and Research in Motion Ltd.

According to Bloomberg, analysts say that this marketing this phone is all about Google’s market share. In addition to falling $1.22 down to $545.21 per share in Nasdaq, Google’s stock has dropped a total of 21 percent thus far this year.

Despite Google’s own claims, Bloomberg adds that a recent report in the Wall Street Journal said that “Android is experiencing delays.” The Journal attributed this to the fact that cell phone companies like T-Mobile and Sprint Nextel are struggling in an effort to implement the technology used by Android. At this rate, it is predicted that Google’s Android phones may not be available until the end of this year or even next year.

Still, given that approximately one out of every two people in the world now have a smart phone – that amounts to around 3.3 billion – and with the prediction that it will be closer to 4 billion by 2010, there is definitely going to be a market for Android based phones.

Last November, in offering the OS to service providers, chip makers, and cell phone sellers, Google helped form the Open Handset Alliance. Unlike its competitors, such as Microsoft, Google is not charging developers who want to use the Android platform.

(June 23, 2008)