Google is planning to offer free Android operating system for computers, which is usually used for smartphones. This is expected to bring out new faceoff with Microsoft’s Windows operating system.
Bloomberg reported that both Acer and Asustek Computer are planning to release low-cost notebooks based on the Android platform.
The adoption of Android platform by PC makers could reduce the share of Microsoft’s Windows which is more widely used in the industry. Microsoft’s Windows operating system has a market share of 90% and is also expected to launch its latest operating system, Windows 7 to the open market as soon as possible. The Release Candidate of Windows 7 is already available to MSDN and TechNet subscribers.
The notebooks based on the Android platform are expected to be priced lower, since the Android platform is offered free by Google.
Google has unveiled the Android platform for mobile devices in 2007. This platform is based on Linux, an open source operating system.
Acer is also joining the open handset alliance and expects to launch smartphones based on the Android platform in the fourth quarter of this year. There are over 40 members in the Open Handset Alliance, including mobile operators, handset manufacturers, software companies, and semi-conductor companies.
