There is no Google Android delay

When Google and its partners in the Open Handset Alliance announced the Android platform last November, they predicted that phones loaded with the software would hit the market in the 2nd half of 2008. So when you read that (*gasp*) Android phones have been "delayed" until the 4th quarter of 2008, keep that in mind. Last I checked, 4th quarter was still considered part of the 2nd half of the year, folks.

As a consumer waiting for a hot product, one always hopes that "2nd half" means "June 1st", but realistically (and chronologically) that could always have meant as late as December 31st. Sure, it would have been nice for the devices to come out earlier (especially for developers!), but c'est la vie. When you take something as technically complicated as a mobile phone platform and mix in dozens of OEMs, carriers, and software partners all trying to work in tandem, I'd say even December 38th would be fine.

But wait, you ask, what about the phones the WSJ says will be coming out in early 2009? Well what of it? There will be Android phones in early 2009, late 2009, 2010, and so on. Android's compelling value proposition - a single zero-cost open source customizable platform that covers a wide range of hardware from disposables to PDAs - will ensure its longevity for years to come.