After the latest launch of T-mobile G1 which is based on the Android software stack from Google, major phone equipment makers are looking to storm the market with phones custom fit with the popular online applications, particularly social networking applications.

Motorola is the next mobile maker in line to come out with an Android powered phone which will be about the size and shape of the iPhone and supports social networking. LG and Samsung will be joining in soon with handsets in 2009. What makes these phones really attractive is the price – the one from Motorola is going to cost about US$150.

INQ1: Offering new ways to use popular Web services

While Android is making all the news, Hutchinson Whampoa, a conglomerate based in Hong Kong has its plans for a cheap, social network enabled phone (INQ1) costing about US$50 only!

The news (feature packed phones are getting cheaper) has both its pros and cons. On one hand companies are looking to benefit from the services that will be made available over the devices. Apple has proved the success of this model with its AppStore and now Android App Market, Blackberry Storefront and even Samsung’s own initiatives are coming up on the same lines. Add to this the presence of Nokia’s Ovi web portal and you have a handy mix of platforms to target as a developer. As a user you will have to sift through a number of these services and look towards availability as well when you switch phones and operators.

But these look like a great time to be a mobile application developer. With the right amount of effort and experience and of course appeal, your products could target a huge number of mobile users. A lot also depends on how the Mobile Application stores cope with the inflow of applications, clear out the useless ones and make it easier for users to browse and switch apps.