MANILA, Philippines ? Google?s much-hyped Android operating system is making inroads in the local mobile applications development space.

Telecom firm Smart Communication has finally looked at Google?s new operating system for mobile software development.

This effectively extends efforts for mobile software development to the new platform beyond Symbian and Windows Mobile.

Smart partnered with phone manufacturer HTC for the upcoming Smart Mobile Developer Conference.

HTC is the first company to introduce an Android phone in the Philippines - the HTC Magic - introduced in June this year.

The Smart Mobile Developer Conference, to be held on September 11, aims to create a community of Android developers in the Philippines.

The conference would provide hands-on training and demonstrations of the Android software development kit.

A competition would also be held that is expected to result in two teams representing the Philippines to the GSMA Mobile Asia Congress in Hong Kong this November.

Google?s Android is the latest mobile phone operating system, touted to have full Internet features and connects to Google?s current online services, particularly Google Search and Gmail.

Android also supports WiFi and 3G mobile Internet connectivity.