Motorola gearing up for Android, Nokia also taking notes

[Andor]

Motorola currently have around 50 employees working on their Android team, but reports from TechCrunch suggest that the number will soon be increasing to 350.

The same source also claims to have seen Nokia and Verizon employees sniffing around the recent Google app dev conference. Neither companies are part of the OHA.

Why all the interest in Android - Nokia, Verizon etc?

1. It is a more capable mobile Web computer than anything other than the iPhone.

2. It is a very appealing development environment for app creators—and just like on the PC, apps will drive adoption.

3. Most importantly, as an open-source OS, manufacturers don’t have to pay a licensing fee to whoever controls the OS. Given the razor-thin margins in the cell phone business, that alone is reason for manufacturers to embrace Android (with the exception of Nokia, which owns Symbian). But you can see why Motorola might see Android as the key to its recovery.

Quote from TechCrunch

[Buck]

Can't really blame Nokia for keeping an eye on Android. It makes sense that they're wanting to hedge their bets.

Also it's great to hear Motorola are throwing a nice team behind their Android development. Hopefully more manugacturers will follow suit!

[Daniel]

Motorola have been pretty quiet recently in regards to Android so it's a great boost to hear they're stepping up their focus on the platform.

Especially since Sony Ericsson recently snupped the platform to some degree.

I'd love to be a fly on the wall in the Nokia camp though.