Google Android Unleashed In Barcelona

February 12, 2008 7:39 a.m. EST

Barcelona, Spain (AHN) - Google's Android software has found its way in a number of mobile phones unveiled Monday in a trade show in Barcelona. The release of the software heralds Google's first step into the mobile market.

The software was demonstrated using a number of unbranded mobile phones, at the Mobile World Congress.

One of the featured chip makers, Britain's ARM, demonstrated their handset running on the software, with the product offering features such as an internet browser, a map software, multimedia, text messaging function, calendar, email, and a phone.

The phone's email feature ran on Google Mail, and its map navigation feature on Google Maps.

According to the Telegraph, the combination of functional software and beautiful mobile phones was what would be the direct answer, and hopefully the future full-fledged rival of the Apple iPhone.

"It's definitely very promising," Carolina Milanesi of the technology research firm Garner told the AFP. "This means that we should be on track to see commercial devices in the second half of 2008."

Several other chip makers demonstrated the Android on their unbranded phones, with handset makers and software groups also joining in on it.

"The future ability of Android is exciting because it's open-source so it allows developers to come up with the next killer application," said a spokesman for chip company Texas Instruments.

The Android's selling pitch was based on its flexibility, enabling software and handset manufacturers free reign to create their own software for the mobile market.

It was also considered to be a huge stepping-stone in terms of Google advertising.

"There are few phones that provide a compelling web experience," said Barry Schnitt, a Google spokesman. "As people use the web more, they'll use Google more and we'll be able to sell more relevant advertising."

The Android as a software was launched last year. It was slated to provide increased experience value to mobile Internet surfing.