Android Localization Changes Localization Market

The number of iPhone, Android, Symbian and other smartphone application in the markets increases very rapidly. Many of these applications are very small in size. Selling of these application usually does not require a web site or extensive marketing material because the applications are sold in iPhone, Android and other software stores. Thus there is a big amount if applications than can be localized to new languages by translating 500-1000 words or even less.

When an application is easy and cheap to localize, it is profitable to localize it even very small languages. Thus very many localization project includes translating 500-1000 words to 10 or more languages. When there are more languages in a localization project, the significance and work associated with localization project management increases greatly.

This kind of development might mean that the significance of translation price diminishes. When the translation price is in the range of USD 50-100 no big savings can be achieved by optimizing translation cost. Instead, it is probably wise to pay well for an excellent translation if this saves e.g. project management cost and shortens time-to-market. Thus highly skilled translators may have better chances to invoice higher price for their skills.

From translator's point of view the decreasing size of translation projects sets requirements for both skills and client acquisition. When several small applications are translated, the translator may need to master different terminology for each application. In addition, when single translation project is small, the project and client acquisition cost is higher in relation to the actual translation cost. On the other hand, not many companies develop only one application and there may be translation work available in the other applications of the same company.

In any case smartphone localization changes the market, which creates new opportunities for skilled and adaptive translators. There is also more information available about Android localization. This information applies mostly also to other smartphone eg. iPhone localization.

The Future of Google Android

Google Android is a complete software system which can be adopted to mobile devices like cell phones, PDAs etc. It is developed by a consortium of many leading players in the consumer electronic segment such as Google, HTC, Intel, LG, Motorola, Samsung and many others. Initially it was Google who started the process of developing it in an endeavor to provide open standard for mobile services. Other entrepreneurs joined Google to form the consortium named Open Handset Alliance (OHA).

The first Android mobile device platform built on the Linux kernel version 2.6 was soon introduced. This achievement of Open Handset Alliance earned the promoters accolades of others like Sony, Ericsson, Toshiba Corp, and Vodafone who also joined the consortium. By the end of 2008 Android was made available for the users as an open source. The platform is found adaptive to larger VGA, 2D and 3D graphic library and MP3 players based on an open general license.

The new operating system has many takers. Acer has already announced the production of Android handset. Similarly Samsung and Vodafone are also contemplating on the introduction of Android Handsets. Many others may follow suit if the market sources are to be believed. Hewlett-Packard Company is in the process of manufacturing small computers or net books adopting the software developed by Google led consortium. Many other leading manufacturers have expressed their options to make use of Android based devices taking advantage of the multiple platforms offered by the new technology.

The consumers can expect more products in the market based on the Google Android, as efforts are being undertaken to produce them with active support from the hardware makers all over the world. Linux net books and embedded systems are expected to reach markets soon. Other innovative products are Home phones and Tablet Computers both from T-mobiles. It is indicative of the fact that market competition will be stiffer between these products and those of Microsoft. Google, which is playing a dominant role in the internet search platform, has now to face the Microsoft, a monopoly player in the computer segment. But Microsoft is so far safe from potential competitors. However market watchers are cautious when pointing out that Android based Net books may make dents on the Microsoft's profits.

Many of the leading PC makers are planning to use the Google Android operating system. The emerging trends in the contemporary markets are indicating the upsurge of Google Android as a complete software stack for mobile devices. As in the case of other technologies, there are ample prospects for Google Android as it is redefining the concepts of handsets as well as other wireless devices in the consumer electronic segments. Some market watchers are optimistic to predict that Android will capture a significant market share in the near future despite Microsoft.

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