It looks like Apple retail stores are in for some competition from the fun-sounding creation from Google and Telstra: Androidland. Androidland was unveiled at Telstra's retail outlet in Bourke St, Melbourne, where its based in the 154 square metre space which brings together interactive technology, games and on-site experts to explain the features of Google's Android OS.

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Executive Director of Telstra Mobile, Warwick Bray, said that its the first time a mobile carrier had teamed up with Google to create an Android-dedicated retail presence. He added:

Over the past 12 months we've seen a huge growth in the number of customers coming in-store and asking us about Android phones and tablets. With Androidland we wanted to create a retail environment like no other that helps us to answer customer questions in a fun, interactive way. The result is a world-first collaboration that goes beyond conventional product displays by allowing visitors to get hands on with a range of popular mobile services and apps found on Android devices.

Androidland not only sounds like an amazing place to visit by name alone, but includes Google-trained Android experts which are there to help consumers set up Google account, make recommendations on popular Android Market apps, and help with customising Android-powered homescreens. Androidland also includes an interactive spaceship zone which lets visitors pilot the Google Earth app on the giant screen, play Angry Birds on the big interactive screen, or create an Android avatar that can be printed or shared.

Bray added:

From the moment customers walk through the doors of Androidland they'll be transported into an immersive retail environment that's as much about having fun as it is about researching your next phone.

Telstra have said that Androidland has been built in collaboration with Android handset makers Samsung, HTC, Sony Ericsson, Motorola and LG and that at this stage, is just a temporary installation. Telstra will use customer feedback to test whether they'll build similar installations across Australia.