Mobile Wars Heating Up Again

Lots of excitement in the mobile space this week. Of particular note, and in a case of “better late than never,” Verizon and Google announced a deal to launch Android-based devices on the US’ largest wireless network in short order (gigaom has a good rundown of the announcement).

This is potentially a big deal for both parties: Google gets a big new platform for its mobile OS and gains access to the country’s largest mobile network. Although Microsoft remains as Verizon’s default search partner, Google will secure a stronger presence on Verizon devices as a result of the deal, which should translate into a bigger slice of the mobile ad pie.

For its part, Verizon will gain some desperately needed cool factor, and a short-term solution to counter AT&T’s exclusive deal with the iPhone. Android has proven itself to be a well-sorted mobile OS with a lot of useful features as well as a solid and growing array of apps. However, a lot rides on the Android devices that Verizon has developed. The handsets have to be appealing for this deal to be an all-out hit.

Meanwhile, Verizon, which often tends to be the slow-moving, lumbering giant in the carrier space, is taking the fight to AT&T in other ways. It just launched a new TV spot mocking AT&T for its spotty 3G coverage that has echoes of Apple’s Mac vs. PC commercials.

Amidst this hubbub, Windows Mobile 6.5 and the Windows Marketplace for Mobile app store also launched this week – to generally tepid reviews. Is this a case of better late than never or too little, too late?