Google’s Android Phone

Are we supposed to be happy about this?

Finally it is out. iPhone's competition is here. Read on.

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Texas Instruments Inc said on Monday it would demonstrate a prototype cell phone based on Android, the highly anticipated mobile phone operating system being built by Web search leader Google Inc.

The U.S. chip maker said the phone it will demonstrate at the Mobile World Congress trade show has "one button access" to key applications such as Web browsing, e-mail, messaging and video, making it easier for consumers to use such features.

The device will also allow for the integration of different applications, a capability mostly limited to desktop computers. For example, a real estate agent could combine information from its database with mapping software to let customers easily locate properties on the go, TI said.

The prototype handset will run on TI's OMAP850 phone processor, which includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth short-range wireless connectivity.

Google had said on Friday that while a number of companies would demonstrate Android products at the wireless trade show, the prototypes would give no real indication of the actual devices customers would ultimately be able to buy.

TI is part of a group of about 30 companies that said they would support Google's operating system, which is based on Linux, an open-source software platform.

UK chip designer ARM Holdings Plc is also expected to show prototypes of devices based on Android at the show.

Service provider Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile and Taiwanese phone maker High Tech Computer have both said they plan to sell phones based on Android this year.

As Reported here.

(Reporting by Sinead Carew; Editing by Braden Reddall)

And so what is all the fuss about? http://code.google.com/android/what-is-android.html

The Android - An Open Handset Alliance Project is built according to the following:

1. It is Open - The Open Handset Alliance, a group of more than 30 technology and mobile companies, is developing Android: the first complete, open, and free mobile platform. To help developers get started developing new applications, we're offering an early look at the Android Software Development Kit.

2. All Applications are equal - Android does not differentiate between the phone's basic and third-party applications -- even the dialer or home screen can be replaced.

3. Breaking Down Boundaries - Combine information from the web with data on the phone -- such as contacts or geographic location -- to create new user experience

4. Fast and Easy Development - The SDK contains what you need to build and run Android applications, including a true device emulator and advanced debugging tools.

Read more from here.

And what's more?

The Android Developer Challenge will award $10 million to developers who build great apps for Android. Learn more here !