T-Mobile captures Android buzz

Brodman said the G1, “running on the collective systems of T-Mobile and Google,” would change that equation. “I really believe that ‘open’ is going to drive the future of the mobile Internet,” he added.

Brodman’s statement confirms that Google is very much a hands-on partner with T-Mobile in this effort. Google branding was everywhere on the launch and Google apps -- from Google Search to Gmail to Maps -- play heavily on the device.

For Google, this initial launch of an Android-based device -- with more on the way -- represents the launching pad for a broad mobile strategy in which it aims to bring its advertising dominance on the Web to a new medium. “With Android, we’re bringing some of those advances and strategies [from the Web] to the mobile phone,” said Andy Rubin, senior director of mobile platforms for Google and the “father” of the Android OS.

“This is highly strategic to Google,” Rubin said. “Google lives on the Internet, and they have a strong, vested interest in ensuring continued access to the Internet, particularly on the most commonly used device in the world, which is the mobile phone. Devices like this will become a far more viable way of accessing Google services, in particular if Google keeps the door open to open development.”

The big question is whether the Google brand and the increasing exposure of consumers to smartphones -- thanks to the iPhone and other devices -- will result in significant uptake for T-Mobile and the G-1. At least initially, analysts and market-watchers are skeptical.

A study released today by market researchers J. Gold Associates predicted Research In Motion would retain smartphone market leadership in the next three years at almost 60% (with Windows Mobile at 29%, Apple’s iPhone at 16% and Android at just 5% market share).