Android to replace Garmin-Asus' current Linux platform

(Credit: CNET Asia)

At CommunicAsia Tuesday, Garmin-Asus showed off its Nuvifone G60 and M20 devices. The former was first developed independently by Garmin and later rebadged with the new brand name after the two companies decided to collaborate on a line of navigation-focused smartphones.

The Linux-based G60 has been delayed for a while, but Tuesday Garmin-Asus announced that both devices will be commercially available in the second half of 2009. The company's regional director for Southeast Asia sales, Hektor Tung, said this will happen as early as August for some markets.

When asked about the potential of Garmin-Asus' current Linux platform for future devices, Tung revealed that this will be used only in the G60. Future smartphones will either come with Windows Mobile like the M20 or be based on the Google Android operating system. He added that the brand's first Android phone will be unveiled at the end of this year, earlier than the Q1 2010 time frame mentioned by various reports a few weeks back.

(Source: Crave Asia)

[forever4now]

I can see Android replacing virtually all proprietary smartphone OSes. Why would companies continue to spend time/money/resources building a proprietary OS, when Android provides a fast/stable/secure platform + app store that can be custom tailored (including removing Google services, if desired)?

Plus, as Android permeates into different device categories (smartphones, smartbooks, appliances, eReaders, etc.), its capabilities will multiply, as vendors feed their non-proprietary enhancements back into the mainstream.

[wikimon]

you would think so, but many companies are too greedy or too stupid to see it that way. look how long it took people to start seeing android as a viable option. they spent all that time researching every other opportunity they could before yielding that it was a good idea.

even palm spent all that effort to go their own direction instead of going with android. and the pre doesn't do anything that android can't :|

well cept multitouch cause google signed some non-compete agreement or something...