If Google’s domination of the internet is anything to go by, its much anticipated ‘Android’ operating system could end up having a similar effect on mobile phones. Finally taking a bow at the Mobile World Conference in Barcelona, the adaptable open source solution, based on Linux, was developed by an alliance of over 30 companies, including Google, and has seen backing from numerous companies such as ARM, Qualcomm and Texas Instruments.

The Android platform offers maps, a web browser, multimedia player, email, digital camera and numerous other applications set to become mainstays in the mobile device’s digital arsenal.

One of the most significant advantages of the operating system is the speed at which it can run on even outdated phones, and being open source is likely to offer a far more adaptable and faster evolving platform than many of today’s existing technologies. The construction and range of operation of the Android system seems oriented towards targeting Apple’s iPhone touch-screen based interface, so expect there to be a few scuffles in the functionality department between associated devices as the OS is introduced.

Both Samsung and LG have revealed that they will be backing the new system, by releasing phones based on it in the US by the end of the year. Expect with similar adoption migrating to the UK shortly afterwards.