Google expects around 18 Android mobile phones to hit the shelves this year, and says there may be as many as 20. The devices will be made by eight or nine different manufacturers, according to Google Mobile Platforms senior director Andy Rubin.
Currently, both available Android phones are made by HTC. Google says some manufacturers may also be releasing Android phones without its knowledge.
Devices running the Android mobile operating system will come with three different levels of integration. Google says a small number of phones will ship with a basic no-strings installation which places no requirements on the manufacturer to provide access to Google services, but does not come with Google apps. The no-strings install is available as a free application and manufacturers are under no obligation to inform Google that they are using it.
Between 12 and 14 of the new Android phones will run the operating system under a ?small strings? arrangement whereby manufacturers sign an agreement to include Google apps.
The remaining five or six Android phones will come with the ?Google Experience? similar to that found on T-Mobile’s G1. This comprehensive package includes Google branding and a commitment from the manufacturer and operator to keep pre-installed Google apps and allow unrestricted access to the Android marketplace.
StrategyEye's related categories: Mobile Device Applications, Mobile Phone Devices
