At the end of the hype called Google Phone or GPhone is an open source mobile platform and an army of supporters ready to change the landscape of the mobile industry.

Google has launched Android, the first truly open and comprehensive platform for mobile devices equipped with operating system, user-interface and applications but without the proprietary obstacles that have hindered mobile innovation.

Google claims this is more ambitious than any single phone and if I may add a very dangerous terrain for a company looking to extend its dominance in an unfamiliar territory. It will have to face global leader Nokia and other competitive players like Microsoft and Apple.

Making this operating system truly functional is the Open Handset Alliance, a group of more than 30 technology and mobile companies including Motorola, Qualcomm, HTC and T-Mobile who have come together to accelerate innovation in mobile and offer consumers a richer, less expensive, and better mobile experience.



The Software Development Kit (SDK) will be available on November 12 and the commercial deployment will commence in the 2nd half of 2008.

According to Richard Waters of Financial Times, this plan could "prove a disruptive force to the economics of the mobile industry in the long-term, according to analysts."

On the other hand, Owen Thomas of Valleywag believes this development is not about the consumers but all about Google. To make matters worse, consumers won't get cheaper phones or better apps with Android.

Via Google Blog