The next big thing Google is coming out with is Google Android. No, it's not a robot. It's a Linux-based mobile operating system, built for cell phones. The first thing you need to know about Android is that, in line with the principles of Linux, it is open source. The recently released T-Mobile G1 is the first phone to use Google Android.

Many of the other major cell phone carriers are resisting using Android, and very understandably so. Google's business model threatens the model of the current cell phone companies. Many of the other carriers have vested interests in their own operating systems. In addition, many applications that typically cost money to use, Google will be offering for free.

  

Google has often seemed to side with consumers. Many of the choices they have made seem to have been the most beneficial to the consumer, although the fact that Google just wants more people online using its services is possible. Thus far, this strategy seems to be working quite well, as Google continues to prosper and come out with more and more products aimed at this very thing: getting more people on the web easily and more conveniently.

But I digress...Back to Android. This OS isn't particularly revolutionary in design or functionality. In fact, Apple has promised to also release an open source operating system. The genius of it is the free and easy access of classic Google applications, as well as the nature of Google's application system. It is completely open to innovation and creativity, not only to software professionals, but anyone who can code a useful application.

 

In the spirit of this open source mentality, Google recently held a developer challenge wherein they awarded $10 million in prize money to developers who could design the most useful and innovative applications for Android. They also plan to hold another such competition in the future.

Time will tell if Android is a success and how the other carriers react to it. Will they embrace Android after some initial success, or will they only do so because they feel they are forced to after Android gains speed? In my opinion, no matter what happens, Google Android will shake up the current market model and eventually pass savings down to the consumer after all carriers are forced to react to it.