Android On Its Way to Japan, S. Korea

NTT DoCoMo and KTF are reportedly working on a smartphone based on Google's Android OS. These two wireless carriers -- one in Japan, the other in S. Korea -- will develop this device in tandem to save money.

Aside from the fact that it will run Android, little is known about this model, which is expected to launch some time next year.

Because this open-source operating system is available without a licensing fee, DoCoMo will be able to charge about 20% less for this smartphones that it does for its others, according to Reuters who is citing a report in the Nikkei business daily.

This move is being seen by many as an attempt by DoCoMo to better compete against its smaller rival KDDI, which is the exclusive Japanese provider of Apple's iPhone.

Update: South Korea’s KT Freetel has denied that it is working on an Android-based device with NTT DoCoMo.

Good for Android

The fact that NTT DoCoMo is interested in Android isn't surprising; it was a founding member of the Open Handset Alliance, the group of companies Google put together to back this operating system.

Still, the news that this carrier is actively developing a device is good for Android's proponents. Sprint is also on the OHA and its chief executive said recently that this OS hasn't yet developed to the point where he's considering using it in a smartphone.

More about Android

Android is a new consumer-oriented mobile operating system. It is strongly tied to Google's online services, like Gmail and Google maps.

The first device based on it, the T-Mobile G1, debuted in recent weeks in the U.S. and the U.K.

Related Articles:

• Sprint CEO Says Android Isn't Good Enough Yet
• Motorola Going to Focus on Android
• AT&T Taking a Wait and See Attitude Toward Android
• T-Mobile G1 Review

 Via Unwired View