T-Mobile and handset maker HTC are taking the cover off the first Android-based cell phone Tuesday at a press conference in New York. The Open Handset Alliance, a group that includes Google, T-Mobile, HTC, Qualcomm, Motorola and others, is billing Android as the first truly open and comprehensive platform for mobile devices.

What will a Google Android-based HTC look like? And how will it shake up the market? Here’s what we can discern from leaked photos: It’s a touchscreen device with a full, slide-out keyboard. Pricing rumors peg the device at $199, in line with Apple’s iPhone 3G.

“Based on what we publicly have seen, it looks like it’s going to be a very, very interesting offering,” said Michael Gartenberg, vice president of mobile strategy for Jupitermedia. “This offering is likely to have initial appeal to consumers more than business users, and particularly consumers that are already engaging with Google’s services like Gmail, Calendar and Reader.”

Google’s

In terms of market impact, there are already predictions. According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics, the Google Android mobile operating system will explanation for four percent of all smartphones sold in the U.S. during the fourth quarter.

Google has the grade capability in the U.S. to compose a big impact at launch. The main issue will be operator subsidies, according to Chris Ambrosio, executive director at Strategy Analytics.

“As seen with the iPhone and smart devices in general, retail prices need to be well below $200 to be competitive. Longer-term success will, of course, rest on Android vendor ability to create designs with wow factor and an intuitive user interface,” Ambrosio said. “Google will do its part to drive growth, and we expect Android will eventually offer a compelling range of mobile applications emphasizing Google’s online assets, such as advertising, mapping and search.”

Android’s Present and…

Original post by dhiram