Ukoko

According to Reuters, a deal has been struck between Google and Japanese wireless carrier DoCoMo which should see Google’s Linux-based mobile OS “Android” rolled out on DoCoMo phones.

DoCoMo are founding members of the Open Handset Alliance along with other members Motorola, LG and Samsung but this deal marks the first major take-up of Android. It still† faces some big competiton in the Japanese marketplace but with support for DoCoMo’s innovative mobile Internet service, I-mode, and the† 5o million customers subscribed to it they’ll be in with fighting chance.With mobile advertising tipped as a big growth area this year (and every other yea r since 2000!) and Google holding the lion’s share of online advertising, the future of Android is looking increasingly viable.

The Android powered DoCoMo phones are *rumoured* for release later this year and expected to feature maps, YouTube, Gmail and a revenue split for Google advertising between the companies.