Hugh Pickens writes "Andy Rubin, senior supervisor for Mobile Platforms for Google, has announced that by the end of the year there will be 18 to 20 phones using the Android OS made by 8 or 9 diverse manufacturers. Google will offer three 1995 by houghton mifflin harcourt publishing company. published by houghton mifflin harcourt publishing company. all rights reserved.cite this source synonym collection v1.1copyright © 2008 by lexico publishing group versions of Android OS: a intensively free and generic flavor with no pre-loaded Google applications; a slightly customized version that comes pre-loaded with Google apps like Gmail and Google Calendar; and a fully 'Google-fied' Android OS bearing all sorts of Google branding and integration with Google's services. Will Park reports that the expectation is that 12 to 14 of the forthcoming Android phones will use the slightly-customized version of Google's Android OS requiring the maker to agree to a admeasurement deal with Google that would allow the handsets to come pre-installed with Google-ware. The remaining 5 or 6 Android phones will come to market totally decked out with 'The Google Experience' and a Google logo on the phone. This third option provides risk and reward opportunities because the openness of the store could be a hit with consumers, but could also lead to poorly constructed or offensive applications that could give Google a taint. When it comes to apps, Rubin says: 'We want to abide by the law, but not rule with an open fist.'" Yes, it seems he really said "open fist," though he presumptively meant "iron fist."

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