China will be getting its own version of an Android device in the first quarter of 2009, but rather than going with HTC's G1 handset, China Mobile is opting for a Lenovo Mobile version of the Google phone instead. Details on the Lenovo Android are scarce, but considering the G1's already available through less-than-legal channels in the country, it'll be interesting to see how it fares. Though the black market version costs a pretty ridiculous $550 right now, it's possible that unauthorized resellers are keeping the price high until other Android sets hit the streets.
With the Android phone currently limited to T-Mobile and the HTC G1, the rest of the world has to wait patiently for it to become available in their local region. However, considering that the Android OS is not exclusive to one particular device, we can expect other phone models aside from the G1 to likewise feature the hyped mobile OS.
China, for instance, has voiced their interest in the said upstart OS, but instead of the G1, they are choosing Lenovo Mobile as the hardware provider for the Android OS. It makes sense since Lenovo is a local brand as far as China is concerned so price-wise, it shouldn’t be as expensive as importing the G1. This brings forth the scenario wherein local thriving mobile phone manufacturers possibly jumping on board the Android bandwagon in the hopes of cashing in on the craze while at the same time providing consumers with an option as opposed to the pioneering G1. This, in turn, will force companies to create better hardware since the OS will be a level playing with the Android OS being a common denominating facotr.
Will other countries follow suit in China’s decision to take the G1 out of the Android picture? I certainly hope so since we all know by now how competition only brings out the best in both products and services with the consumer ultimately being the winner in the end.
