WHEN GOOGLE UNVEILED the Android mobile phone operating system in November 2007, it stated that Android phones would only be available in the second half of 2008. But now, a slip of the tongue by Google’s legal advisor on telecom and media, Richard Whitt, seems to indicate that the phones could be available as early as this summer.

CNET reports that during a conference call on the subject of Google’s plans for using the "white space spectrum", Whitt let slip that the phones could be on the market in summer or fall of 2008. Immediately after the call, Google moved quickly to ensure damage control. The company restated its original claim that the Android phones would be released in the "second half of 2008" without any mention of summer or Autumn release dates.

To further throw everyone off the scent, Google then claimed that anyway, it had nothing to do with the release dates of Android phones, seeing as that decision was down to the manufacturers themselves.

There were reports last week that Taiwan-based High Tech Computers (HTC) would be developing an Android phone dubbed "Dream," but that it would only be out near the end of 2008.

Google said 34 companies are working on developing the android software platform, which they reckon could simplify mobile access to software applications and services. µ

L'Inq
CNET