Android 2.0 vs iPhone: How Google could kill the iPhone this year

By the time the next-gen iPhone gets its likely unleashing in summer 2010, Android 2.0 will have been kicking it for six months. And not just on the Motorola Milestone. There a slew of new Google-loving blowers coming next year. Here’s how Android 2.0 could take down the iPhone before Apple can even get its newbie out of Cupertino.

Google Maps Navigation
Google Maps Navigation is the single greatest thing about Android 2.0. The Big G’s free satnav system is an absolute stunner and will only get better as it lands on big screen phones from HTC. Why pay £60 for the TomTom iPhone app when you can use Google Maps Navigation to get free live traffic info, 3D and even Street View to make getting around even easier.

Better camera support
While the iPhone 3GS remains a 3.2 megapixel disappointment, Android 2.0 offers stacks of ace camera support. There’s now zoom, white balance, a scene mode and macro focus. And with an 8MP Android offering due this year from Motorola, the iPhone is going to be well off the pace come summer.

Google Visual Search
Known also as Google Goggles, Visual Search was shown off on US TV late last year. The idea is simple: snap a pic with your Android phone and Google will search for info using it. Take a shot of your local pub and it’ll give you reviews, news, basically anything it can find. How many iPhone apps can do that?

Combined inbox
Tired of hopping around accounts to see who’s emailed you? Android 2.0 has taken a cue from BlackBerry and combined all your inboxes, so you don’t need to keep ducking and diving to stay in touch. The iPhone still only manages separate mailboxes, with its contacts pages not matching Android 2.0’s efforts.

Beefed up virtual keyboard
Just because the Motorola Milestone has a proper QWERTY doesn’t mean a decent virtual pad isn’t a necessity. The new Android 2.0 one has a better layout than the iPhone and its smart dictionary doesn’t throw up pesky autocorrect words, instead learning your word usage. Handy if you’re a fan of a bit of blue.

Better browser
The iPhone’s Safari browser has always been top dog. But Android 2.0 is primed for Flash support in 2010. It’s unlikely that Steve Jobs will end his war with Adobe, leaving Apple’s blower without the video goodies you can expect on a string of Android 2.0 phones.