According to an exclusive special report now available from TelecomWeb, Google's recently announced "Android" is "just another mobile Linux," rather than any real technical innovation: i.e., no more than a convenient way for the company to pursue its real goal -- to create an advertising delivery system it can control rather than innovating in telecommunications.

Technewsworld has an interesting article on whether or not developers are going to build apps for Android. Although the interest amongst mobile developers is hugh, few companies have already started.

The Google strategy

Google has set up a developer challenge with USD 10 million worth of prize money. Android developers submitting their applications between January 2 and March 3, 2008 can have a shot at one of the 70 prizes. In the first round the 50 best are awarded $25,000 for further development of their application. Those selected will then be eligible for even greater recognition via ten $275,000 awards and ten $100,000 awards.

Google is especially looking for innovative, useful apps that make use of Android's capabilities to deliver a better mobile experience. Some suggestions: