Google embraces mobile; but leaves handsets to vendors

While Apple has always kept the mobile industry at arm's length, Google swooped into Barcelona this year to give the sector the equivalent of an over-amorous bear hug. Attendees at the special Google keynote appeared split between those who were thoroughly seduced by the Internet giant's latest character recognition and translation apps, and those who thought it should pay some attention to how it will help fund the infrastructure to support such services. Inevitably, this saw CEO Eric Schmidt drawn into a rather predictable argument around 'dumb-pipes' and net neutrality, which saw him do his best to soothe operator fears (which is more than Steve Jobs has ever managed, incidentally).

Schmidt also provided an update on Google's Android platform, claiming that handset vendors are now shifting more than 60,000 Android devices per day, a figure that has doubled over the last quarter. He said that Android was now on 26 devices, though this figure may also double soon judging by the number of new Android-powered devices unveiled at the show; these ranged from low-end smartphones (such as the sub-EUR200 phone announced by Alcatel) to high-end tablets. But Google gave no hint that it was planning to continue with its strategy of launching its own Android devices in a similar vein to its Nexus One, which it launched to mixed reviews at the beginning of the year. Indeed, arguably the most impressive device on show running on any operating system was HTC's Desire, which is believed to be the very same Nexus One (which HTC manufactures) but using the Taiwanese vendor's own user interface, known as 'Sense.' This gives the device all the power of the Nexus One but in a slicker package. This ability to build attractive and customisable UIs on top of Android was a key theme at Congress (as demonstrated by vendors such as Mentor Graphics), and one of the main reasons for the varied range of Android-powered devices on show. This should provide much food for thought at Google as it mulls its next move in mobile.

(This article is part of a series of follow-ups on Mobile World Congress 2010 from the GSMA Intelligence team.)