After years of development and massive hype, Google's Android operating system for mobile phones has finally arrived. T-Mobile's HTC Dream features the new OS, which promises a level of flexibility that has been missing from mobile devices since they first appeared on the scene. What remains to be seen is whether devices with Android will make a dent in the market share Apple's obtained with the success of the iPhone.


According to Time.Com's article on the arrival of Android, the new OS is far from a copy of Apple's impressive iPhone software. For one thing, the HTC Dream features a full keyboard instead of relying on a touch screen. The HTC Dream does come with a touch screen as well, but the functions will be split between the keyboard and the screen. One of the biggest complaints from iPhone users is the lack of a cut and paste option, which Google has addressed within Android. But the biggest difference comes with third-party applications. Apple just recently started selling third-party apps via the Apple App Store, but Android's apps will be available free of charge - at least upon launch.

Last year, Google announced the launch of Android by issuing the Android Developer Challenge, which provides $10 million in awards — no strings attached — for great mobile apps built on the Android platform. Round 1 of the challenge has been completed and the apps that developer's came up with are unbelievably intuitive. For instance, Cab4Me allows you to find the location of the nearest taxi anywhere at anytime. Also, ShopSavvy allows you to scan a product's barcode to find the best prices both online and at retail stores. The possibilities are endless once Android starts gaining market share.

What remains to be seen is whether the biggest mobile carriers in the game: Verizon and AT&T, will embrace Android or fight Google tooth and nail. Today's launch is only the first step in what's sure to be an interesting turf battle for control of your cell phone. We can promise that mobile device users will be the big winners in this war.

The PimpWiz.com Bottom Line: Google's long-awaited Android finally launches later today.

Labels: CellPhone, Google, Scott Bernstein