Google’s I/O group discussion wasn’t just a good place to get your custody on a free people HTC Magic, it was a great place to get the down-low on upcoming Android computer hardware. In it’s first official comment regarding upcoming Android smartphones, Google (NSDQ: GOOG) has confirmed that the mobile worldly concern will welcome at least 18 new Android OS-powered smartphones by the end of 2009. Google’s elder conductor for Mobile Platforms, Andy Rubin, noted that we mightiness see upwards of 20 Android phones hitting market by class’s end.
For the eight or nine distinct cellphone manufacturers confirmed to be working on the 18 to 20 new Android handsets for launch later this class, Google volition crack three different versions of Android OS: a completely free people and generic flavor with no pre-loaded Google applications; a slightly-customized version of Android OS that comes pre-loaded with Google apps like Gmail and Google Calendar; and a completely “Google-fied” Android OS bearing all sorts of Google stigmatization and integrating with Google’s services.
We’re told that 12-14 of the upcoming Android phones ar expected to use the slightly-customized version of Google’s Android OS. This variant of Android will apparently require the manufacturer to agree to a distribution trade with Google that would allow the handsets to come pre-installed with Google-ware.
The remaining 5 or 6 Android phones volition come to market completely decked out with “The Google Experience.” These phones will bear the “Google” logotype on the handset and volition come pre-installed with all sorts of Google apps. Furthermore, these phones volition be censor-free – neither the manufacturer or carrier tin restrict access to even the most objectionable content on the Android Market. This option carries the peril of forcing carriers and manufacturers to allow access to controversial Android applications – like the Baby Shaker app that landed Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) in some hot water system recently.
The 18-20 expected Android phones ar limited to handsets that Google has been officially approached with by mobile phone manufacturers. As with all things mobile, expect to see tons of cheaper Chinese-made devices departure live with generic Android operating systems. Making cheap off-sword handsets that mimicker brand-name devices in form and office is what the Chinese mobile marketplace has become known for.
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