Back in 2005, Google bought out the small start-up company with big plans in mind. Today, Gartner Inc. predicts that the new product will be the second largest smartphone, behind Symbian OS, in the world (iPhone actually isn’t as popular in the world as it is here in America).

I am talking about the Android mobile OS, one of Google’s most successful endeavors to date. Expected to have at least 18 by the end of the year, Android powered phones are popping up everywhere from HTC, Motorola, to even Google themselves having launched the Nexus One January 5th 2010. The surplus of options gives the users choice, and we all know that choice is power.

But why should anyone be interested in an Android phone? It all boils down to customization, ease of use and productivity. So lets break it down.

Customization: Android is highly customizable, with apps, skins, and widgets galore! Android truly is unique to its user, you make the phone to what ever specifications you like. Whether you are tech savvy or not, customizing an Android is a breeze. And for those of us who are a bit more comfortable with software technology, flashing can be a breeze too!

Ease of Use: I think the coolest thing about the Android OS is that just about anyone can pick it up and figure it out in 5 mins tops. My girlfriend’s nephew (Age 12) was able to play around with her Motorola Cliq, surf the web, download games, and have tons of fun! My sister (Age 14) was able to pick up my MyTouch and call her boyfriend, shoot out text messages, and download apps. Now while we all know that the youth of today is much more tech savvy the our predecessors, my grandmother (Age ~85) was highly intrigued by my phone and said she would definitely invest in one. And now and days, even the more advanced tech user will find a whole host of tutorials online to indulge in advanced activities made easy.

Productivity: I speak from experience when I say I have never been able to get so much use out of a phone since I got an Android. Google makes this phone sync up perfectly with their cloud technology, from Gmail to Google Calenders to Youtube! It’s all on the phone and in the cloud, synced in perfect harmony. Here’s a perfect example, “So you wake up in the morning from the buzzing of the alert from GCal on your phone that it’s your best friend’s birthday today. You picked out a really nice restaurant and emailed him with reviews and the location of how to get there. You already saved it in the agenda today though, so you hit the link on the directions and it fires up Gmaps which gives you the option for Google Navigate which gives you turn by turn directions of how to get to the said restaurant. Wait! You forgot a gift! You quickly do a voice Google search command for ‘sketchbooks’ as your friend is an adamant artist.  After finding a sale at target you can quickly go grab the gift on your way to the restaurant. Wait, Google Voice alert? A transcribed voicemail reads that the plans have changed and they want to do a waterpark instead? No problem just fire up Gmaps and change the destination! Simple.” Can your phone do all that?

Android is truly a phone that gives as much to you as you put into it. Did I mention you can even post to Tumblr?

So, how do you feel about the Android powered devices? Ask me, email me, tell me and we can make a discussion out of it!