No, I’m not talking about Android. I’m talking about my fresh Sony Ericsson P1i and its dreaded Symbian UIQ3 platform. And the fact that Google saved the day, at least for me.

The problem with the platform is simple: not enough applications. The sheer basics are covered: several GPS applications are available (TomTom, Smartcom Navigator), instant messaging works great (IM+), there are several alternatives for office applications and mobile browsing works good thanks to Opera Mini 4. But so much is lacking.

I’d probably be deeply unhappy with my mobile internet experience if it weren’t for Google. The thing is, Google has more or less quietly introduced a mobile version for every major application they released. Google Reader, Gmail, Google Maps, iGoogle, Calendar - they all work just fine on my P1i. This set of applications are pretty much everything I need to enjoy the mobile Internet.

So, on the surface it may seem that Google has no or little mobile experience, but I don’t think that’s the case. In face, Google is very good at creating and deploying products for mobiles. I can think of no other web-based company which has shown such determination in reaching the mobile audience.

So, when the folks at Symbian claim that Google doesn’t have a clue when it comes to mobiles, they’re dead wrong. I already use more Google applications on my Symbian-based smartphone than native Symbian apps. If I ever switch to Android, I probably won’t even feel the difference.