Google Android, GPhone

Google announces Android and Open Handset Alliance as highlights of their mobile phone plans.

Android is the first truly open and comprehensive platform for mobile devices. It includes Linux as a mobile operating system, user-interface, applications, and all other software needed to run a mobile phone.More than 30 other companies involved with Google in this project including Qualcomm, Broadcom, HTC, Intel, Samsung, Motorola, Sprint, and Texas Instruments.

The Android platform will be made available under one of the most progressive, developer-friendly open-source licenses, which gives mobile operators and device manufacturers significant freedom and flexibility to design products. Next week the Alliance will release an early access software development kit to provide developers with the tools necessary to create innovative and compelling applications for the platform. 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.

Google Android based phones will be hitting the market in the second half of 2008.

The details about Android will show if this Google announcement is really going to change the way we use mobile phones in the near future.