Android phone 'not a Google smorgasbord'

Still more details continue to surface on T-Mobile USA's HTC Dream, the first handset based on Google's Android operating system, scheduled to make its official debut on Sept. 23. Forbes reports that Joel Espelien, vice president of strategy for Android partner/mobile multimedia software provider PacketVideo, contends that Google's influence on the phone is tangible, but not overwhelming: "It's not a Google smorgasbord," Espelien said. "It's no more in-your-face than Apple's branding on the iPhone." Nor will users encounter a Google banner ad on each screen--according to Espelien, there are "no new forms of ads" on Android handsets, countering criticisms the OS exists solely to serve Google's stated mobile advertising ambitions.

Espelien touts the speed of Android among its biggest assets: While rival operating systems must support legacy technology and code from other systems, Android begins with a clean slate. "Supporting legacy stuff slows you down," Espelien said. "Google could target fast hardware from day one." PacketVideo will adapt its PVConnect software to enable Android users to remotely share video, photos and TV content between their computers, TVs and game consoles. "There will be diverse products: different form factors, add-on apps, various customer segments to target," Espelien said. He also confirmed Google will launch the Android Market, an App Store-like open content distribution system for consumers to find, purchase, download and install various types of content. "The Android Market will have robust and representative apps in it," Espelien said, adding users will be able to download applications over the air via WiFi.

For more on the latest Android dish:
-read this Forbes article