Today Google announced its Q3 2011 earnings and, in between talking about things like revenues and cost-per-click, the search giant managed to slip in some information about Android. The big stat revealed by CEO Larry Page is that there are now 190 million Android devices activated across the globe, a jump from 130 million in mid-July. However, Page didn't touch on how many Android products are activated on a daily basis, which was sitting at 550,000/day the last time we heard. Moving on to tastier things, Page talked briefly about Ice Cream Sandwich, saying that he's "super excited about the soon to be released new version of Android" and that we "won’t believe what [Google} managed to get done in this release."
During the Q&A portion of the call, some questions were asked concerning Google's opponents in the mobile space. First up, Larry Page responded to a query about those nasty patent lawsuits that have been going around, explaining that Google is "serious" about defending Android and its ecosystem. "Ultimately other companies actions will alienate their customers," he said. Another question was asked about Microsoft and what Google thinks about its partners paying licensing fees to Ballmer and Co. Page responded by saying that Microsoft has decided to resort to legal measures instead of competing in the marketplace with its own devices.
Overall that's some pretty exciting information for all of the fans of Google's green robot. Not only did El Goog show that Android is continuing to grow, it also got us more amped for Ice Cream Sandwich, which we just learned will be making its grand debut in Hong Kong on October 19th (18th in the U.S.). If you're excited about ICS too — and really, why wouldn't you be? — we'll be covering the whole shindig as it happens, so all you have to do is keep your browser locked on PhoneDog and enjoy an ice cold beverage. Or if you really want to get in the mood, why not munch on a tasty ice cream sandwich?
UPDATE: Speaking of Ice Cream Sandwich, Google just posted a video of the Ice Cream Sandwich statue going up on its campus. Also of note: the video was made public by the brand new official Android Twitter account, which you can follow at @Android. Peep the video below.
Via Android Central, Google, @Android