Mobile companies line up to boost Google's Android

Bangalore: Google's smartphone operating system (OS) Android is getting a boost in India from the mobile vendors like Motorola, HTC, LG and Samsung, as the companies are planning to launch a portfolio of such handsets, the Economic Times reports.

The vendors plan to target the urban youth users and position them in the mid to high-end segment for Android system. As HTC has already started shipping the first Android phone to India, Samsung will roll out its first device, christened Galaxy, next month.

LG and Motorola are likely to launch Android phones in December. With such a response, everything is as per Google's expectations of faster adoption of the Android platform in India.

"47 companies are working on the Android platform. Globally, around 15-20 Android handsets will be launched by December. We expect some of these models will be shipped to India as well," said Vinay Goel, Country Head, Products, Google India.

"Android is an evolving platform and will be one of the main stay for HTC. It drives internet mobility and the touch factor adds novelty. Since, we roll out 2-3 devices in India every quarter, some of them will be on this platform," said Ajay Sharma, Country Head, HTC India. HTC has already received a favourable response for its first Android handset.

Samsung Mobile is also likely to launch a portfolio of touchscreen Android handsets by year-end. "We will work with Google to ensure faster adoption of the devices in India. Android has the potential to emerge as the next big mobile phone OS," said Sunil Dutt, Country Head, Samsung Mobile.

Samsung, HTC and LG are optimistic over Android's success in competing against the two most popular smartphones operating systems, Symbian and Windows Mobile.

"Our research has shown that consumers really don't care about their handset OS. All they want are exciting applications and experience which are the main driving factors behind Android," said Goel.

Anil Arora, Head, GSM Mobile, LG India, feels the real challenge for Android will begin next year as the number of these devices will reach a critical mass. "The fact that Android allows much more flexibility to consumers for customising the look and feel of their handset could be a growth trigger," said Arora.

Google expects the vendors to launch some handsets in the price range of 10,000-15,000 to target the mainstream Indian market and ensure Android's success. "Android being open source, there is no license fee which can bring down handset prices," said Goel.

At present, HTC's first Android phone is available in India at around 30,000 and Samsung is planning to launch Galaxy at 29,000.