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Previously known as Google Android, the Android Platform is an open source software mobile device platform from the Open Handset Alliance. Companies have built various devices with an array of bells and whistles added to phones, netbooks and tablet PCs, all based on the Android Platform.

It’s no wonder, then, why smart phones quickly embraced the Android Platform. The market place for apps is ever expanding, becoming more comprehensive. Android Platform apps even include Microsoft Exchange, frequently by business consumers. Businesses can accommodate Google Android phones as well as BlackBerry, Palm, Windows Mobile and iPhone devices with Apps4Rent’s hosted Exchange.

Android Platform Releases

Version 1.5 was the first major release/update to the Android Platform. This consisted of correcting many significant bugs reported by users including email, Bluetooth and multi-media. Also included in this update were a few added features for developers.

Version 2.0 brought with it several Google Android API for users to take advantage of, such as account management, sync adapter and Bluetooth. The email support was enhanced to allow for unified management of multiple Google email accounts, Microsoft Exchange and even Facebook. Added bonuses also included updated browser compatibility to comply with HTML5; a few new stock wallpapers were added for user enjoyment.

Version 2.2 brought with it the world’s fastest browser as well as an enhanced Android Market Place and flash support for Google Android. Internet connection by hot spot and/or tethering was also improved. This update is setting the Android Platform for 3.0, which will hopefully come soon.

Google Android Categories/Makers

Google Android phones come in several different categories by cell phone makers, such as, HTC, which offers the Hero, Touch Pro 2 and, of course, the G1. Samsung has the Behold and Behold 2, as well as the Memoir. LG currently has the Eve, Etena and GW620. Not to be left out, Motorola has their share of Google Android phones, including the Cliq, the Mota 555 and the Motorola Droid .

Killer Google Android Apps & Apps Market Place

The Android Platform Marketplace is growing all of the time, quickly becoming a comprehensive database of useful tools, procrastinating games and neat add-ons for Google Android phones. Here are just a few of the Android Platform based applications that can be found in the marketplace:

The Translator, for instance, can decipher over 40 languages by way of reading or speaking. Very useful for one traveling globally. JetCet PDF is the perfect app for the person who enjoys viewing documents on the go. This application allows users to view PDF documents using the browser or even by using Gmail.

The handyCalc is the perfect tool for the user crunching numbers in various locations. More advanced than the stock calculator on your phone, this can actually determine currency rates, create graphs and much more. Finally, the Ol File manager lets users utilize the SD card to create directories and files to make the organization of your Google Android phone simpler. The better the organization of files, the easier and quicker they are to access. This tool is perfect for the workaholic who must always have his/her files at their fingertips.

The four major wireless-service providers all provide Android based phones:

• T-Mobile
• Verizon
• Sprint
• AT&T

The Android Platform is finally competing successfully with the iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile and Palm WebOS. With Google Android and MS Exchange hosting from Apps4Rent, companies can confidently add the Android Platform to their employee communications options.