Here comes Android...

In a few weeks, we should get a first glimpse at Google's foray into mobile space: the Android OS for mobile devices. Taiwanese handset manufacturer HTC is set to introduce an Android device that will be offered by TMobile.

What makes Android intriguing is not the fact that it's another Google creation. While Google is a formidable competitor that Apple and RIM should pay attention to, what peeks my interest is that Android is open source. If the open source model can work as well in the mobile space as it has for Linux in servers and embedded devices, consumers can expect a plethora of innovations in the mobile space at affordable prices. Apple has clearly set the bar for smartphones with the iPhone but may once again find that their closed model may cause them to be eclipsed by the hordes of motivated open source developers around the world.