Mobile operator powerhouse announces campaign for Android OS mobile apps

Five members of the huge Conexus Mobile Alliance announced today that it is launching a campaign to drive development for Android mobile applications. The Conexus Mobile Alliance comprises some of Asia’s largest operators - the group declaring for Android today includes Japanese giant NTT DOCOMO, Indonesia’s Indosat, Far EasTone from Taiwan, Singapore’s StarHub and Truemove from Thailand

The campaign will be aimed at enouraging developers to create mobile applications for the popular Android mobile operating system. The Alliance is also offering real rewards for the best Android application developed - the best app submitted will be showcased in a regional Developer Showcase Event for Android hosted by Conexus Mobile Alliance in Hong Kong this November. There’s also the possibility of having apps embedded in handsets from the participating Alliance members.

So far, only one of the Alliance has released the details for its campaign - Far EasTone is offering over $15,000 in cash for the best app, with the runners up getting $9,000 and $3,000.

From the release:

Dr Kaizad Heerjee, Chairman of Conexus Mobile Alliance, and Deputy President for PT Indosat, Tbk, said, “this initiative by Conexus Mobile Alliance aims to nurture the developer community in Asia and help grow the mobile data market here. It will also provide a platform for creative developers to monetise their applications by reaching beyond their local mobile market, to a larger Alliance customer base of more than 210 million mobile users across the region.”

What we think?

2009 is really looking like the Year of Android. While it’s overall popularity and sales are still far less than that of the iPhone, the steps it has made this year put it in an incredible position to overtake the Apple device in the future. The iPhone is just one device, after all. The family of Android devices is growing fast, and is only going to get bigger.