Google: Android still on track for 2008 debut

Google maintains the first Android OS-powered handsets will hit the market before the end of 2008, publicly refuting reports to the contrary. Last week TheStreet.com, citing sources familiar with the situation, reported that internal delays would force Google to keep a lid on Android until 2009. However, a spokesperson with the Web giant contradicted the report, saying "We're still on track to announce Android-powered phones this year. Some of our partners are publicly stating that they plan to ship Android phones in the fourth quarter."
In the meantime, a few more Android details emerged at the tail end of Google's recent I/O 2008 conference: According to ZDNet, an Android fireside chat revealed that the operating system's open-source status will afford operators the latitude to disable applications as they see fit, promising significant differentiation from one Android handset to the next. Also, as expected, there may be an integrated applications/content purchasing system built into Android. In addition, Google said it will not inaugurate its next Developer Challenge until after the first Android devices are on the market.

For more on the latest Android news:
- read this ZDNet article

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