Android Onslaught In 2009, 18+ Phones Coming!

Android has been out for going on 8 months now, and it’s surprising that the number of phones actually in shops running it can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Even if that hand has only two fingers on it.

Well, the manufacturers are really going to fix that if Andy Rubin’s words are anything to go by.

The Boss of Google’s Mobile Stuff (probably not on his business card) stated that at least 18 mobiles from 8 or 9 manufacturers running on Android will be out and about by year end, and that the US lags behind European adoption of the platform as providers attempt to inject individuality into their devices.

He was also kind enough to illuminate us on the ‘with Google’ experience, and the different forms Android may take in these forthcoming devices:

- Google for free: Free (to download) version of Android, without Google applications like Gmail or Google Calendar. Access to Android market etc. is at the manufacturer’s discretion.

- Google, with caveats: Same as above but manufacturers sign a distribution agreement with Google, on the condition Google applications are installed. Most of the new handsets for ’09 will be this type.

– The ‘with Google’ factor: Phones emblazoned with the Google logo (T-Mobile G1, HTC Magic on Vodafone) have all the Google apps installed, including unrestricted access (neither the network or manufacturer can block applications they find objectionable) to the Android market. There will still be 5 or so handsets offering the ‘full fat’ Google experience.

Well, we have seen the first of Samsung’s output with the i7500/Galaxy getting plenty of exposure in recent weeks, and Motorola are BFF’s with Google at the moment so we know they are on board…what of Sony Ericsson and the rest?

Well, S-E admitted to be using the v2.0 or ‘Donut’ version of Android for their forthcoming handsets, will we be seeing it in 2009, however?

Time will tell…

Source: New York Times

Tags: android, g1, HTC Magic