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Nexus Prime, Googles flagship model is set to be unveiled soon. New models are also expected from the now Google owned Motorola Mobility. A numer of analysts are reporting that the Android OS continues to grow from strength to strength. Ice Cream Sandwich, Googles new OS, is close to making a debut. This OS has not just a tasty ring to it; many analysts believe that it is capable of outwitting all its rivals. The Ice Cream Sandwich can provide a unified experience across both tablet devices and mobile phones.
The bottom line is that Google has set an energetic and dizzying pace in the mobile space that most rivals are finding difficult to match.
Ice Cream Sandwich
A number of images showing the basic aesthetics of Ice Cream Sandwich appear to confirm the influence of Honeycomb's navigation and layout. Starting with the unlock screen, it's obvious that this version of Android is not going to be a minor upgrade. It will have a completely new user interface, an updated app launcher, the Home Screen will be vastly improved and there will be new provisions for multi-tasking. However, despite all the new features, long-time Android users should have no problem adapting to the interface.
Thus far, its been Apple that has hogged the attention of leading developers because iPhone and iPad users remain much more likely to download paid-for apps rather than free ones. The Ice Cream Sandwich is expected to galvanise the app developers who perform the crucial task of making an OS feel vibrant. The release is expected to make life easy for Android developers, since they no longer have to create separate apps for mobile and tablet based Androids. Most Android devices will be compatible with Ice Cream Sandwich.
Focus on software
Despite having bagged Motorola Mobility, the main focus for Google continues to be software rather than hardware. Case in point is the fact that Samsung is manufacturing Nexus Prime, which will be the first device to run Googles Ice Cream Sandwich OS. This slim and light handset will have an excellent screen and adequate battery life. It might even be able to provide a better user experience than iPhone 4S.
In some parts of America, Google Wallet has already become a reality. So Android handsets can replace credit cards and can be used to swipe on touchpads to pay for goods or services. Google has also developed a voice recognition system that can rival Apples Siri service. The company has realised that user experience is the key to its success. If Google can offer its users an iOS5 type of user experience, then it can take a real bite out of Apple.
Android will drive search revenues
Googles bread and butter comes from search related advertisement revenues. The company hopes that increased Android usage will eventually translate into more Google searches, which would then lead to higher advertising revenues. However, as of now much of the Android sales are happening in the lower end of the market, where users do not make too much of data usage. Hence Google is eager to break into the higher end of the smartphone market, where data consumption is higher.
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