Android launch delayed until 4Q

It seems as if Google is learning a hard lesson about wireless--the cell phone industry is very complex and difficult to negotiate. The WSJ reports that the firm's Android software suite will likely not show up on handsets until late 2008, as opposed to its original plans to debut Android in the second half of the year. T-Mobile USA reportedly won't deliver its Android-powered phone until fourth quarter, Sprint and China Mobile will likely be delayed with their Android-powered phones until late 2008 or early 2009.

Insiders say carriers are having trouble customizing Android so it promotes their own Internet offerings. Meanwhile handset makers are having problems testing and building custom user interfaces to meet carrier specifications.  Google says it is working to help develop new features and drive down costs by working with chip makers and other technology providers so that handset makers and carriers don't have to design Android-based phones from scratch.

For more:
- see this WSJ article (sub. req)

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