I have a first generation Android phone, the G1, from TMobile. Cool little device and I love the way it grabs OS updates ‘over the air.’ I upgraded to ‘Cupcake’ version 1.6 as of a few days ago. Seems they’re using baked goods to identify the various releases. For example, future versions of Android will be named Donut, Eclair and Flan. Funny thing, but every time I use the phone, I have a craving for a good cup of coffee and a pastry. Go figure.
I hear tell that Dell is coming out with an Android phone in ‘10 and Sprint’s new Android phone (the HTC Hero) debuts this weekend. Android got off to a slower start than the iPhone, but it seems to be picking up some serious momentum. The recently upgraded Android market now has about 10,000 apps available.
What I didn’t know was that Google offers 3 versions of Android. So, the phones might look the same but could be running different versions. Here’s the breakdown:
- The obligation-free option: device manufacturers can download a free version of Android, load it 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.
- The small strings option: Same as Option 1, except that manufacturers sign a distribution agreement to include Google applications on the phone. Of the 18 to 20 phones slated to be released in 2009, 12 to 14 subscribe to this option.
- 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. Which means that 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 in 2009, five or six belong to this category (I think my G1 “with Google” belongs in this category.)
I’m not not sure how the smartphone wars will end up, but Google’s Android seems to have established itself as a player. What do you think? Will Android displace the iPhone at some point? Leave a comment…I’ll be over here having coffee and a donut.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the breakdown of Android’s 3 versions. Not many of the masses may realize that there are different versions.
Android vs iPhone. Hmmm, I would rather think that Android is a viable competitor to Windows Mobile, although, I am not setting is out on the bleachers when it comes to the Apple arena either.
Android is only two years old and some people say Android started off slowly. I have my reasons for that assumption, which I will post on my blog (http://whatsupandroid.com) later.
Just this past week alone has seen so much Buzz surrounding Android that it’s almost a whirlwind of Oohs and Aahhs.
I don’t think Android will displace the iPhone. Apple is Apple and in a few years Apple will surely come out with a WAY COOL PHONE TO DIE FOR. I didn’t say it won’t have the chance to compete against the iPhone. Gartner already reported that by 2010? 2012? Android will be second on the Smart Phone list, just second to Symbian.
At this point, everything is up in the air. Indeed, the Android Movement seems to be picking up the pace but I think we’ll see the bigger picture one year from now.
Thank you for this opportunity to share my thoughts.
digitalfemme
your fave android pr gal
@whatsupandroid
http://whatsupandroid.com
Thanks for your insightful comment, @whatsupandroid. I tend to agree with your prediction that we’ll get a bigger picture of where Android will really settle in as far as a viable mobile product offering sometime in the next year or so. I look forward to reading your blog post!