Friday, January 2, 2009

Google Android Frequently Asked Questions

Google Android Frequently Asked Questions
by Jerry Haney
Despite all of the very interesting speculation over the last few months, Google said that they are not announcing a Gphone, However, they are announcing -- the Open Handset Alliance and Android -- is more significant and ambitious than a single phone. In fact, through the joint efforts of the members of the Open Handset Alliance, they hope Android will be the foundation for many new phones and will create an entirely new mobile experience for users, with new applications and new capabilities that we can't imagine today.

Who is Launching the first Android based Mobile Phone?
T-Mobile USA will debut the first mobile handset based on Google's Android operating system. Citing unnamed sources briefed on the operator's plans, the T-Mobile will launch the so-called HTC Dream in the fourth quarter, perhaps as early as October--the device, boasting an iPhone-like touch screen and slide-out keyboard, is the subject of a much-screened YouTube video

What is Android & Open Handset Alliance (OHA)?
Android is a software platform and operating system for mobile devices based on the Linux operating system and developed by Google and the Open Handset Alliance.The Open Handset Alliance (OHA) is a business alliance of Google, HTC, Intel, Motorola, Qualcomm, Samsung, LG, T-Mobile, Nvidia and Wind River Systems to develop open standards for mobile devices.

Pro's of Android
Android holds the promise of unprecedented benefits for consumers, developers and manufacturers of mobile services and devices. Handset manufacturers and wireless operators will be free to customize Android in order to bring to market innovative new products faster and at a much lower cost. Developers will have complete access to handset capabilities and tools that will enable them to build more compelling and user-friendly services, bringing the Internet developer model to the mobile space. And consumers worldwide will have access to less expensive mobile devices that feature more compelling services, rich Internet applications and easier-to-use interfaces - ultimately creating a superior mobile experience.

Does Google Android would change the mobile advertising market?
How Google will really profit from Android, is still a mystery until today, the answer is certainly around advertising. The mobile advertising market is really booming. Android is a market development effort. Google understands the opportunity for its business model once the mobile internet takes off. Android addresses some of the ecosystem needs. In theory, the availability of a robust underlying software platform will reduce fragmentation for application developers, decrease cost and time to market for device manufacturers and spark a new wave of competition in device form factors that will deliver better user experience for mobile data. This will drive use of the mobile internet.

The mobile ad market is already growing rapidly. If Android delivers an improved user experience, this will drive usage of the mobile internet. This will further accelerate the growing interest in reaching users on their mobile devices and will motivate more and more content providers to invest in mobile. User experience improvements will drive both supply of and demand for mobile advertising. Release of Android in the market.

The retail release date of the HTC Dream hinges in large part on the device and the Android OS earning network standards certification from the Federal Communications Commission--execs from T-Mobile, Google and HTC all hope to officially announce the Dream in September or October in an effort to cash in on the lucrative holiday season. The Dream is expected to be the sole Android-based device released in the U.S. during the remainder of 2008.

Expected other brands with Android Base
Three other phones are also tipped to carry Android soon - the Sony Ericsson Z780, a high-end Samsung camera phone, and possibly the Motorola ZINE ZN5.

View more articles from Jerry Haney