As more Android application developers adopt the Android system, there is a danger of multiple versions of the operating system, software developers may have to build several iterations of a single app.  For the mobile phone software Android, popularity could carry consequences. A Google led consortium created the operating system and is being adopted by a growing number of mobile phone manufacturers and wireless service providers.

Nevertheless as Android is woven into more phones, developing games and add-on tools in addition to other software-based features may become increasingly difficult. Android app development companies need to be very careful about not splintering the code.

Manufacturers, developers and carriers have grown more concerned about the prospects for the Android amid news that the operating system is being adopted by a who’s who of wireless players. Based on the operating system, T-Mobile USA, HTC, Sony Ericsson and PC giant Dell have all worked on cell phone devices.  They are being joined by Verizon Wireless, Motorola, Sprint Nextel and Samsung.

As many as 20 different phones based on the Android are likely to be released by the end of this year alone and probably another 40 or more devices released in 2010.  The more wireless service providers, who back Android, the greater likelihood of a constant ‘one-upmanship’.  Handset makers and carriers are already competing for Android developers for hire, and as a result, this could be the splintering of the software code, where developers work on multiple versions of the software rather than collaborately and collectively working on a single project.

Consumer confusion and brand fragmentation is also a danger. As of today, all Android manufacturers create the phones in different ways, some having different menus, the features are different and they look different, this has a diluting effect on the Android phone and brand name. Although, Android does have a lot to gain by ending up on a variety of devices with a host of different applications.  However, the host must try to avoid brand dilution and code splintering if they want to garner the benefits.