Android rocks up at Mobile World Congress

Prototypes of the first mobile handsets using Google's Android software debuted at the GSMA's Mobile World Congress.

Google launched Android, an open development platform in November last year. Phones sporting the Android software are expected out later this year. Google also announced the Open Handset Alliance, a consortium of 34 handset manufacturers, carriers and chipmakers that have said they plan to support Android products and services.

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Android was demonstrated at the ARM Holdings booth at Mobile World Congress.

ARM designs the processor cores that companies such as Marvell, Samsung, Texas Instruments manufacture into chips that run mobile phones and smart phones.

The company has the Android software running on a prototype device using the ARM9 processor technology, which is already two generations old. The mocked-up handset resembles a full Qwerty keyboard smart phone, like RIM's BlackBerry. But Bob Morris, director of platform solutions for ARM, said the ARM9 technology used on the demonstration prototype is actually used on lower-end handsets sold to the mass market, which means the functionality being demonstrated could be done on most phones sold today.

On first look, those at the demonstration thought the Android prototype appeared similar to most other phones around already.

But James Bruce, North American mobile manager for marketing at ARM, said that it's not so much what Android allows mobile phone users to do, but rather what it doesn't require handset chip and device makers to do.

He said: "Android provides a complete application framework, which can be put on chipsets with a lot less work."

Android should simplify the process of getting a new phone and new applications to market. The mobile phone market is extremely fragmented. Every manufacturer has its own operating system for phones. This makes it difficult for handset components makers, application developers and the handset makers themselves to develop new products and services quickly because they have to design functionality for each software iteration.

Supposedly, Android will alleviate this problem, as it provides a common operating system and development platform with all the basic functionality. But the software, which is based on a version of Linux, is also open enough to allow application developers to design new applications and services for the device.

But Android isn't the only mobile platform out there. Microsoft's Windows Mobile offers all the same functionality. And so does Symbian, which is used by Nokia and Sony Ericsson. Together these companies account for nearly half the entire mobile phone market. And to complicate matters further, there are several Linux groups also developing open platforms for mobile phones.

Original article: Google Android prototypes debut at MWC from CNET News.com