On Monday November 5th Google, announced an open source program for cell phones called Android. Android consists of an operating system, middleware, user-friendly interface and applications according to Google’s website. Google announced that sometime this week they will be releasing an early version of the software development kit so that users can start to create applications for the new platform even though the first Android based phones will not be available until the second half of 2008.

Android was set up through the Open Handheld Alliance (OHA), a group of 34 companies involved in various aspects of the cell phone industry. These companies include T-Mobile, Motorola, LG, Samsung, Intel and others.

This announcement comes on the heels of Apple’s harsh response to their customers modifications of the iPhone and it cannot help but be seen as a response to it.

The iPhone was supposed to be revolutionary in the cell phone industry and it came with a price tag to match. Almost as soon as it was released customers had complaints, the largest of which was that the iPhone was exclusive to AT&T. That did not last long.

Just before the two month anniversary of the release, media outlets were abuzz with the story that the iPhone had been hacked and could now work with carriers other than AT&T as well as run third-party applications. Apple sent out immediate warnings to their customers that any unauthorized software would nullify the warranty. A month later on September 27 they released software updates that erased any third-party applications and rendered all phones not using AT&T useless. Now all their customers had was an expensive paperweight.

Whereas Apple punished customers for downloading outside applications, Google’s new platform is encouraging all of their customers to contribute. Google CEO Eric Schmidt stated on their website that, “A fresh approach to fostering innovation in the mobile industry will help shape a new computing environment that will change the way people access and share information in the future.”

This has not only flown in the face of the iPhone but the entire cell phone industry, which until now has been very tightly controlled by carriers and manufacturers.

It remains to be seen if an open source platform for cell phones will catch on with the public but the history of other mediums probably gives the OHA hope.

Mozilla an open source program for internet browsers has shown steady gains in market share since its inception and third party applications on Facebook have been popular since their launch 5 months ago. One thing is for sure, Google has big plans for the future of your phone.

“Our vision is that the powerful platform we’re unveiling will power thousands of different phone models,” said Eric Schmidt.