China Mobile is in talks with Google to introduce Android-based G1 mobile phone to China, but it is unlikely to be done before the end of this year, according to Kai-Fu Lee, chief executive officer of Google China.

It calls for close cooperation among Google, the telecom carrier and third-party handset partners to carry it out, says Mr. Lee.

Some local reports say that China Mobile is working closely now with a research team of Google China to lay the groundwork for introduction of G1.

The debut of G1 offers China Mobile an alternative to Apple's iPhone and enables it to demand more when negotiating with Apple for introduction of iPhone. China Mobile has been in talks with Apple since last year about introduction of iPhone.

Analysts say that G1 is most likely to gain the lead to hit the mainland market given China Mobile is a member of the Open Handset Alliance.

In comparison with G1, iPhone's biggest disadvantage is its exorbitant price. Though iPhone has a cool-looking appearance and a perfect interface, it is not open, says Mr. Lee.

Google officially launched G1 on October 22 along with telecom carriers T-Mobile and HTC. The phone was merely priced at USD 179.

Shortly after the launch of G1, Google announced a cooperation agreement with china Mobile, says Mr. Lee. China Mobile will be among the increasing number of mobile phone makers to adopt Android mobile phone operating system.

Lenovo Mobile, the mobile phone unit of Lenovo Group, is scheduled to a Android-powered smartphone along with China Mobile in 2009, disclosed Wang Yan, general manager of the marketing department of Lenovo Mobile during the 17th Beijing International Telecom Expo.

China Mobile is the only Chinese member of OHA, which was set up by over 30 IT heavyweights such as Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, and LG. Besides members of OHA, other mobile phone makers can also use Android. The operating system is even available to knock-off handsets rolled out by lesser-known manufacturers in China.

Some say that G1 would not be an iPhone killer. Now that they have had a few days with the first Google Android powered handset, their views have stayed the same.

The Times do acknowledge that the G1 is a good smartphone, and is in the same class as the Apple iPhone, but still has a few niggles that lets it down. Where the G1 wins over the iPhone is the choice of using the touch screen or the QWERTY keypad, great if you hate using a touch screen all of the time.

Source:SinoCast