Google to expand in smartphone arena

Google Inc will allow developers to sell applications for its Android cell phone operating system in the United States. This step is being taken by Google to expand in a smartphone arena dominated by Apple Inc.

Google's announcement has marked an important step in the search giant's quest to catch up with Apple in the fast-growing market for smartphones. It signals Google's commitment to expand into a relatively hot mobile market.

Google’s Android Market will initially carry paid applications from developers in the United States and Britain, with plans to allow developers in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, France and Spain to participate later.

Smartphones, which allow consumers to browse the Web, send email, play games and listen to music, in addition to making calls, are one of the few bright spots in a slowing technology and consumer electronics market.

The T-Mobile G1 phone uses the Android operating system. There are currently 1,000 applications that run on Android smartphones.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share