Here is an update on a few tidbits floating around the internet today. Over at our sister site MobileBurn.com there is a summary article about Android growth. According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics, global Android smartphone shipments will grow 900 percent in 2009. Indeed, it appears as though Android will be the fastest growing smartphone OS this year, trouncing Apple by 820%. The iPhone will only grow around 80%, but if these growth rates are correct, they will still hold the market lead. According to Tom Kang, Senior Analyst at Strategy Analytics:

“We forecast global Android smartphone shipments to grow an impressive 900 percent annually during 2009. The Android mobile operating system from Google gained early traction in the United States in the second half of 2008 and it is gradually spreading its presence into Europe and Asia during 2009. Android is expanding from a low base and it is consequently outgrowing the iPhone OS from Apple, which we estimate will grow at a relatively lower 79 percent annually in 2009.”

In other news, rumours are running riot regarding the ‘Samsung Bigfoot’, which is allegedly now manufactured by HTC. No, wait! Motorola! It is not clear as to whether the Bigfoot is the G1 v2 or whether it is indeed made by Samsung; after-all, we only have artistic renderings to go on. If it is the G1 v2, the updates are purely cosmetic as this phone is alleged to contain the same guts as the original G1. Nonetheless, the face lifts will be welcome by many, as the renderings certainly make the G1 v2 look rather nice. To be honest, we’re happy to wait until the dust settles before we start making our claims as to what is going on, but rest assured we’ll be one of the first to let you know.

Lastly, crave, of cnet fame, are reporting that Google are hosting focus groups next week to discuss the usability of Android based netbooks. It would therefore appear as though the search giant is finally getting serious about the possibility of Android on netbooks, properly supported and for real. If you head over to Craigslist, you might be able to grab yourself a place. Apparenlty you will be compensated with a $75 American Express gift check for just one hour of your time. Sounds good to us!