NEW YORK -- Developers of applications for Google's Android phone are gearing up for increased customer demand for applications, even as some continue to create apps for the competing Apple iPhone.

At a meeting of the New York Linux Users Group (NYLUG) here, Nathan Freitas, a partner with Oliver Coady, a New York-based consulting and application development firm specializing in mobile development, said he expects the advent of paid-for applications for the Google Android to boost both quality and quantity of Android applications.

"I think that 'for-pay' applications will certainly help to increase Android development," Freitas said. "Right now I'm throwing in Android ports for applications I write for the iPhone, because I do iPhone development, too," Freitas told a crowded room of current and prospective Android developers at the Feb. 18 NYLUG meeting. "I think the market is becoming more forward-looking and there is a good amount of interest in Android apps. The iPhone is wildly successful, but Android is catching on."

Indeed, Brian Gupta, a developer with the system administration support firm, Brandorr, said that within 12 months or so, "I think Android is going to be wildly successful" and will cut into Windows Mobile's market share and will provide realistic competition for the iPhone. Gupta said he expects that the prospective adoption of Android by Sprint also will boost the platform.

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