Hewlett-Packard, the biggest PC maker in the world, is reportedly considering installing Android, the Google-developed operating system, on netbooks. If this plan sees the daylight, Microsoft and its Windows operating system could face some tough competition in the near future.
HP is currently “studying” if the Android operating system would work on the HP notebooks, said the company spokeswoman Marlene Somsak. She wouldn’t say whether HP will ship computers that run on Android, but said that the computer maker is currently evaluating the Android's computing and communications functions.
"HP is acknowledging that we are studying the Android operating system," the spokeswoman said. "We want to assess the capability that Android may have for the computer and communications industry.
"As to how and when HP might produce any products using the Android OS, we don't comment on any speculation like that."
Satjiv Chahil, a vice president of HP's PC division, confirmed the fact the HP is checking out Google’s smartphone OS. Although Google developed the Android as a platform for small gadgets such as smarphones and for bigger devices such as the mini-laptops, they are open to innovation. If Google isn’t opened to innovations, who is?
Google has been working with computer producers to put the Android operating system in netbooks in order to make it easier for the final user to exchange data between the netbook and the smartphone. It’s a move that certainly makes sense.
Considering the fact that most netbooks out there run on Windows XP and those who come with Linux preinstalled are usually sent back to the shops, the Android might easily take the place of Linux and consolidate the respective market share.
This would certainly spell trouble for Microsoft Windows. Google Android is an open source operating system which means that any company and PC user can download it and use it without having to pay anybody anything. It doesn’t even need the permission from Google, who might make some money out of this simply by opening a donations account.
Android-running mini-laptops or netbooks isn’t a completely new idea. Google said it designed the Android to develop not only for smartphones, but also for netbooks. Further more, Asustek Computer said a few weeks ago that if assembled a team of engineers to develop an Android-based netbook. The company did not say whether it will sell it or not, InformationWeek.com reported.
Also according to InformationWeek.com, Mobile-Facts in January build Android for an Asustek EEEPC 1000H netbook. The mini-laptop was capable of running with all the necessary hardware, including graphics, sound, and the wireless card for the Internet.
Currently, the netbooks, which have screens of 10 inches or less and cost under $500, are the fastest selling products on the PC market and expected to grow despite the general downward trend of the overall PC market.
