Well admit it, we expected to be knee-deep in Android gear by now. However, it seems like the consumer electronics industry wanted to build more mature products around versions 1.5 and 2.0 of Googles open source OS instead. Regardless, were in the thick of it now having just witnessed a deluge of Android-based smartbooks / netbooks (expected before October) at Computex and Googles own announcement that at least 18 new Android handsets will launch this year. Building upon Sony Ericssons plan to launch its first handset based on Android 2.0, were now hearing that Android will play a prominent role across Sonys portable devices starting with an Android-based Walkman and personal navigation device (PND) launching sometime in 2010. Engadget Japanese says that Sonys affection for Android is an "open secret" in Japan. In fact, an analyst speaking to Japans Nikkan simply states the development of an Android Walkman and PND as fact. Not that were too surprised by this; as demonstrated by its XMB interface now extended to a variety of devices other than the PS3, Sony is clearly trying to unify the user experience across its consumer electronics portfolio. And opting for open-source software across the board should keep costs low while increasing speed to market. Oh Android, is there anything you cant do...in Google fanboy theory?Read -- Android Walkman (Nikkan)
Read -- Android Walkman (Impress)
