The first Android phone was launched nearly a year ago and although new phones and partnerships are being announced all the time, few carriers actually sell Android phones now.
That looks like it will be changing. Google and Verizon Wireless announced a partnership to bring Android devices to the Verizon network.
Details on the partnership are relatively scarce right now, but the two companies are holding a joint press-conference at 10 am EDT, which should give us some more details on the plans.
What we do know is that the two companies are planning on co-developing several devices using the Android platform to take advantage of both Android and Verizon’s infrastructure. The first Verizon Android handsets should be released in a few weeks.
This is a big win for Android, which is often discussed in terms of potential and not actual results. Having a strong partnership with such a large US carrier could really propel the platform forward and make it a real — rather than theoretical — contender to RIM’s BlackBerr and the iPhone.
There are still a lot of unanswered questions: How open will Verizon will be about Android’s software platform (especially given Verizon’s reputation for control)? Will having Android on Verizon finally offer some competition and innovation in the smartphone space? Will the new partnership lead to more innovation in the mobile market?
We want to know what you think. What do you think about Android as a platform? Are you more interested in giving it a try on Verizon? What mobile platform leaves you most excited? Let us know.