Can Verizon Help Google? Maybe Yes, Maybe No

(MoneyWatch)  Verizon Wireless has announced that it plans to back Google's Android phones in a big way. It sees Android as being an answer to AT&T's continued U.S. lock on Apple's iPhone, and Google must be over the moon about the deal. However, that's opportunity. Making something of it will be a lot tougher.

Verizon certainly offers a way to get Android-based phones out in front of a lot of people. And despite what I've heard from some developers who create apps for the platform that it has that geeky look and feel to it, think about other cell phones. How many are elegant in a smartly-designed-consumer-electronics sort of way? From that view, you don't have to jump over your own kneecaps. But presentation in front of a wider audience also isn't enough to guarantee sales -- just ask Palm.

If look-and-feel won't break the sales and mere exposure won't make them, what's the deciding factor? For smartphones, I think Apple is right and it's all about the apps. Sure, the iPhone has a nice interface, but would it have taken off if not for the massive number of applications available? Probably not. Verizon and Google seem to understand:

Integral to this agreement is a commitment by the companies to devote substantial resources to accelerate delivery of leading-edge innovation that will put unique applications in the hands of consumers quickly. The two industry leaders will create, market and distribute products and services, with Verizon Wireless also contributing the breadth of its nationwide distribution channels. Consumers will be able to purchase products resulting from the collaboration in Verizon Wireless retail and online stores.

But together they are at a disadvantage. Whether you think Apple was smart or not to become the sole source of applications for the iPhone, it was brilliant in creating the store, built out from iTunes, which had an established audience, independent from any of the carriers. It established a psychological sense of being tied to the platform, but not necessarily AT&T, as the carriers have never been able to build this type of wild success in add-on software and services. But unless Verizon is happy to participate in an overall Android pit stop, the results might be lots of fertilizer, not so much growth.

Image via stock.xchng user lusi, site standard license.