Google's Android mobile operating system is popping up everywhere
It's a remarkable success story. Less than two years ago Nokia's Symbian and Windows Mobile ruled the smartphone market and Google was just a search engine, albeit a very popular one. Today Google's Android operating system is one of the most popular smartphone operating systems and has already taken a significant chunk out of Symbian's market share.
To date the rise of Android has been championed by HTC, a former Windows Mobile stalwart, and Motorola, a company that for a while looked to be heading for obscurity. But, thanks to Android, Motorola has made something of a comeback and HTC has gathered a loyal following of Android fans.
And now most other mobile phone makers, and those readying to ship tablet PCs, are embracing Android. Among them are LG and Samsung both of which are on the brink of releasing Android-based devices.
LG's foray into the world of Android will be with its Optimus brand of tablet PCs. The company said earlier this week that its Optimus-One and Optimus-Chic tablet PC models will be shipped with the Android OS.
The company said that a range of as many as ten tablet PCs would be released this year. The range will cover all markets from budget to premium and, in addition to Android, will include devices running Windows Phone 7 OS or the older Windows Mobile 6.
LG's Korean rival Samsung, meanwhile, is also expected to launch an Android tablet device later this year. The company already offers the Galaxy mobile phone which is equipped with the Android OS and is widely expected to release a Galaxy Tablet to complement it.
The Galaxy tablet from Samsung is expected to ship with a 7-inch touchscreen and include full phone functionality, a standard SIM card and 3G connectivity. There is also likely to be an 8-inch model according to Korean news reports which say that tablet PCs from Samsung will be release in that country in August.
