Market research group Strategy Analytics are estimating that Google, together with T-Mobile will be able to sell around 400,000 units before the end of the quarter. This would account for around 4% of all smartphones sold during that period. That’s kind of huge for a first quarter in the market.
Executive Director Chris Ambrosio, of Strategy Analytics said: “Google has the brand power in the USA to make a big impact at launch. The main issue will be operator subsidies. As seen with the iPhone and smart devices in general, retail prices need to be well below $200 to be competitive. Longer-term success will, of course, rest on Android vendor ability to create designs with wow factor and an intuitive user-interface. Google will do its part to drive growth, and we expect Android will eventually offer a compelling range of mobile applications emphasizing Google’s online assets, such as advertising, mapping, and search.”
I personally can’t wait to get my hands on an Android device. However I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Google takes some more time and launches in the new year. All kinds of recent iPhone news, new devices from RIM, HTC, Nokia and others will make the mobile device market tough for the last quarter of 2008.
That being said, I’d never count out Google. They’re a juggernaut and can do what they want. They have the time, money and resources to get this done on their own terms.
