Google is getting ready to focus on India and China for its Android platform to compete with the likes of Nokia and Apple. The platform has so far only features on high end smartphones but now the Android may be features on low cost devices attracting more customers in the emerging countries.
Google has indicated that it will also offer its Android platform on cheaper handsets from Huawei and LG in parts of Asia and Europe to compete with Nokia. The company may also offer specific tools to help developers sell their subscriptions, virtual goods and other items in the markets through apps in the mobile phone.
Andy Rubin, VP of engineering at Google said “Revolution happens then and now, we need to make use of the down-market opportunity that is about to happen.”
Google is competing with Apple which has built a large app base of more than 200,000 while there are about 65,000 applications available for the Android platform. Research firm, Gartner expects the Android platform to surpass Apple’s iOS system by 2012 and take the second spot behind Nokia’s Symbian.
According to Gartner, the total mobile ad market will touch $13.5 billion in 2013. Google, which earns most of its revenues from advertising, is thus aiming to have more handsets with its Android platform where it can earn ad revenues.
