BOSTON-- According to Strategy Analytics, the recently announced Android operating system from Google will be found in 2 percent of all smartphones shipped worldwide in 2008.

Neil Mawston, Associate Director at Strategy Analytics said, “We expect the first Android-enabled smartphone to be launched in the USA during the third quarter of 2008. By the end of 2008, we predict that Android will have accounted for 2 percent of total worldwide smartphone shipments during the year. Google brings significant resources and a powerful online brand that will find support among operators and handset-makers alike. Indeed, Google should launch next year with several top-tier mobile brands, including Motorola, T Mobile and HTC.”

Chris Ambrosio, Director at Strategy Analytics, added, “Google will aggressively seed the mobile space, in order to expand its addressable-market opportunity beyond the PC. Microsoft, RIM and Symbian may struggle to match the global brand appeal and huge resources that Google is likely to commit to this latest effort.”

Strategy Analytics, Inc., a global research and consulting firm, provides timely insights and strategic business solutions to companies operating at the convergence of information, communications and entertainment technologies. With worldwide headquarters in Newton, MA, and principal offices in England, France and Germany, Strategy Analytics focuses on market opportunities and challenges in the areas of Automotive Electronics, Broadband, Telematics, Wireless Strategies and Enabling Technologies. For more information, see www.strategyanalytics.com.