Smartphone sales have skyrocketed, led by Apple's iPhone and Research in Motion's ("RIM's") Blackberry Storm devices. Among the major players in the smart phone market are the companies developing to the Android OS.Android is an open source OS platform for smart phones that was released in 2008. Android is backed by Google, Intel, HTC, ARM, and eBay, among others and these companies form the Open Handset Alliance. The Open Handset Alliance ("OHA") defines and maintains the Android specifications.

Android Smartphone Marketplace evaluates Google and OHA smart phones and their impact on the growth of the smart phone market. This research compares and contrast the features and forecast the market outlook for the Android market leaders only.

The following Android smart phones are reviewed:

HTC Dream (branded for distribution by T-Mobile as the G1).
Motorola CLIQ
Google Nexus One (plans announced in mid-December with January, 2010 release date)

Questions Answered

· What is OHA and what is Android?
· Why is Google selling smartphones?
· Can Google be successful?
· Where will this market go?

"Google's entry into this market brings visibility to the OHA and the Android product (that none of the other partners could do). Trying to emulate Apple's iPhone success, the big issue is that they are entering a new business (cell phones). Will they develop a following and brand loyalty with their phones? (Or applications?). It will not matter if they cannot support their customers and get them operational."