T-Mobile to Use Google Android for “Home Devices”

T-Mobile has begun aggressively moving into the “home device” market with a new series that takes advantage of Google’s Android operating system, which is already used in many popular cell phones, including those by T-Mobile.

As part of the new push, T-Mobile will begin selling a home phone in 2010, along with a tablet computer designed for the home. Both devices will run android, according to T-Mobile’s partner companies for the project. The new T-Mobile home phone will include a docking station, and handle data synchronization and instant battery recharge.

At present, T-Mobile is not discussing the specifics of the “home devices” but has confirmed that the company plans to introduce several new communications devices based around Google’s android operating system.

As a wireless phone service provider, T-Mobile is lagging somewhat behind the competition. Last year the company ranked fourth nationwide, behind AT&T, Sprint and Verizon. However, T-Mobile had the distinction of being the first network/service provider to offer a mobile phone running Google’s android software (the T-Mobile G1, made by Taiwan’s HTC).

Even though the android operating system is open source and can be modified to some extent by partner companies, Google still maintains a degree of control over Android. And though it is specifically designed for use in mobile phones, Google has always insisted that Android is suitable to a wide range of devices, including palmtop computers, netbooks, and household communications devices.

So far, most of the other big wireless companies have avoided Android like the plague. T-Mobile is currently the only company using the operating system in a commercially available cell phone. However, there are rumors that Sprint will also begin shipping an Android enabled mobile phone later this year.

With the addition of the new home devices, T-Mobile (along with Android) is once again blurring the distinction between what is a phone, and what is a computer or palm top. Analysts predict that other wireless companies will also branch out into the home device market, including the sale of home phones and other in-home communications devices over the next 18 months.

Eventually, the big four wireless networks foresee homes full of interconnected digital devices, ranging from digital picture frames, cameras, home phones, mobile phones, security systems, televisions and digital video recorders that can all communicate with each other and be controlled from a wireless central hub. T-Mobile is attempting to get a head start on the competition by jumping into the home device market early.