Google launches first Android netbook, developing Google branded smartphone
Published on: Thursday 22 October 2009
Source: MM Network
By: Media Mughals

Google and Acer have released the first Google Android netbook the Aspire One AOD 250 that runs on Google Android Operating System and ships without its popular web browser Chrome.

The new netbook that runs on Google’s Android OS will contain the popular Mozilla Firefox web browser instead of its own web browser Chrome.

Google hasn’t come up with an explanation as to why it has chosen to omit its own browser in the first netbook featuring Google’s open source Operating System Android has become a matter of interest for industry insiders.

This development comes as a surprise to everybody since Google has recently been rigorously promoting Chrome through ads in print and on TV and Facebook.

Android OS, originally used on mobile phones, has a default browser which is also missing on the Acer netbook. The new netbook also features a dual booting facility for the customers that can house Windows XP as well.

Not only that, Google is working along with a smartphone manufacturer to have a Google branded device out as early as this year, and make it available direct through retailers.

Additionally, they are also working on a netbook running their upcoming Chrome OS in collaboration with computer manufacturer Quanta. Both the smartphone and the netbook are expected to use chips made by Qualcomm.

With Android, Google had brought the promise of a new era of mobile devices, with an open source operating system, and free reign to application developers. However Android phones are no less immune to the tactics of carriers, which are still free to restrict use of applications for VoIP and tethering.

While this does sound like a good move for those wanting more open devices, it might also have the effect of undermining the carriers and manufacturers who have till now been promoting, subsidizing and selling Android phones.

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