Two new smartphones powered with Google’s Android operating system are now available in Canada as the search engine giant continues to move into mobile devices, taking on Apple’s iPhone, Research In Motion’s BlackBerry and software giant Microsoft.
Taiwan’s HTC has developed touchscreen smartphones called the Magic and Dream, which also has a keyboard, with Android that are now available through Rogers Wireless.
Internet search leader Google announced last year it was moving into the cellphone business and would let its software be used for free to power mobile phones, but now has other devices in sight.
Yesterday, PC maker Acer said it will be making netbooks, mini-laptops, with the Android mobile operating system, which would have Google competing with Microsoft.
The HTC Dream and Magic come with a number of Google applications including its search engine, email, maps and video-sharing site, YouTube. Canadians will also have access to the Android Market’s 3,200 software applications.
PC Magazine analyst Sascha Segan said Google has plans for 20 Android-powered mobile phones by the end of the year.
