Forget iPhone, Think Google Phone

The Observer of London is reporting that Google might be working with HTC and mobile/telecom giant Orange to build a Google Mobile Phone, which could possibly have Google software inside the device, and would be able to do many of the web tasks smartly. The device, article speculates, could go on sale in 2008. (Of course, we would all have forgotten by then… if it doesn’t happen.) Orange and Google, both declined to comment.

Their plans centre on a branded Google phone, which would probably also carry Orange’s logo. The device would not be revolutionary: manufactured by HTC, a Taiwanese firm specialising in smart phones and Personal Data Assistants (PDAs), it might have a screen similar to a video iPod. But it would have built-in Google software which would dramatically improve on the slow and cumbersome experience of surfing the web from a mobile handset.

It would be interesting to see if this comes to fruition. Google, in recent months has become increasingly aggressive about its mobile ambitions, and is pushing into the carrier space, though there have been some snags.

Google Phone, if you think about it is a reasonable speculation. Google has been aggressive in developing location based services, has amp-ed up its local search and mapping services. In addition, it has also been mobilizing its applications such as GTalk and GMail. YouTube, the video arm of Google, is beginning to embrace the mobile ecosystem.

Normally, one would not spend too much energy on this bit of news. However, presence of Andy Rubin on Google campus gives us a reason to pause.

Who is Rubin? He was one of the co-founders of Danger, the company that makes the Sidekick devices. He sold his last company, Android to Google for an undisclosed amount of money, and he has been holed up in Mountain View, California campus of Google, doing something.

No one knows what, but since Android was focusing on mobile, it is safe to assume that he just might be involved in Android. Danger, as you might know has become a multimillion dollar business based off the “compress web and take it mobile” technology developed by Rubin and others. Businessweek had reported that Android was working on a cell phone operating system.

One source familiar with the company says Android had at one point been working on a software operating system for cell phones. … In a 2003 interview with BusinessWeek, just two months before incorporating Android, Rubin said there was tremendous potential in developing smarter mobile devices that are more aware of its owner’s location and preferences. “If people are smart, that information starts getting aggregated into consumer products,” said Rubin.

For Orange, this could be a valuable asset in its triple play ambitions. The company owns broadband businesses across Europe, and has access to 3G networks, and is owned by France Telecom. It could use Google’s web expertise to take on its rivals, by offering web-mobile hybrid phones, and at the same time get a slice of mobile advertising revenues. I know, sounds far fetched, but not out of the real of possiblity.

Your thoughts?

Google Phone Coming Soon... Possibly

The Google Phone has been rumored about for quite a long time now, and it looks like it just may become reality. It seems as though Isabel Aguilera, Google Spain & Portugal's CEO, may have let the cat out of the bag, confirming that Google is in fact working on a mobile phone. She also mentioned that Google is working on 18 other projects, several of which could initially be perceived as strange by the public, but that would ultimately be inline with Google's innovation motto. Personally, I'm not going to be convinced the someone like Sergey Brin, Larry Page, or Eric Schmidt out in Mountain View, California makes the annoucement. Google Phone

HTC Manufacturing the Google Phone?

There have been talks about the HTC company is manufacturing the Google phone. According to handset component manufacturers, High Tech Computer (HTC) is now manufacturing Google handsets and shipments will officially begin towards the end of 2007 and will be expected to reach a shipment volume of 1 million units. Google handsets will be released to the global market in 2008. HTC has not made a comment on the report.

Via

Google Phone Coming Soon... Possibly

The Google Phone has been rumored about for quite a long time now, and it looks like it just may become reality. It seems as though Isabel Aguilera, Google Spain & Portugal's CEO, may have let the cat out of the bag, confirming that Google is in fact working on a mobile phone. She also mentioned that Google is working on 18 other projects, several of which could initially be perceived as strange by the public, but that would ultimately be inline with Google's innovation motto. Personally, I'm not going to be convinced the someone like Sergey Brin, Larry Page, or Eric Schmidt out in Mountain View, California makes the annoucement.

Google Phone is a Big Go!

In the latest Google news, Google has assured everyone that it will definitely launch its own-brand handset. However, the handset's functions, specifications, Operating System, production contractor and operating partners are still in either final planning or negotiations.

Rumors previously stated that Google will use an EDGE solution for the Google Phone, recent developments however indicated that Google is also evaluating the possibility of launching a 3G handset initially.

Texas Instrument's handset chipsets will find their way into the Google phone should the company decide to roll out an EDGE-compliant handset, but Qualcomm could turn out to be the winner if Google decides to bet on a 3G model, the sources noted.

As for its Operating System, Google may also try to launch a handset running on a self-developed OS, to compete with Windows Mobile and Symbian platforms.

Would a GPhone Outdo the iPhone?

A new "GPhone" is headed this way, soon. But Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) won't build this one. Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) will.

That's the rumor, at least. In the digital industry, there have long been unsourced reports that there would be a 3G iPhone. With no reason to take them seriously till this week's CTIA show, sponsored by the international association for the wireless industry, in Las Vegas. There, Ralph de la Vega, president of AT&T's (NYSE: T) Mobility group, said that all of the smartphones supported by the carrier would soon be migrated to higher-speed data networks.

AT&T supports smartphones from Research In Motion (Nasdaq: RIMM), Palm (Nasdaq: PALM), and Nokia (NYSE: NOK), as well as Apple's iPhone. When asked whether his comments meant the iPhone would be made to support 3G, or "third-generation" networks, de la Vega responded, "I'm talking about months for all the integrated devices to be 3G, and I mean months. I think that should be clear enough."

Well then, there you have it. A 3G iPhone is in the works. AT&T just said so.

If that's exciting to you, it should be: A 3G model would allow for direct, on-network download speeds comparable to what you'd expect from a broadband Wi-Fi connection. But with 3G, you'd have broadband access anywhere, anytime.

And yet I think Foolish colleague Dave Mock has it right. Apple couldn't care less about selling a 3G iPhone, especially here in the U.S. Retail sales might improve some, but the iPhone is already a best-seller. So why do it? Partners.

Vodafone's CEO, Arun Sarin, is on record as saying he'd like to offer the iPhone to customers when it's ready for Europe's 3G networks.

But the iPhone already has a presence in Europe. I'm more interested in China. Last November, Apple and China Mobile (NYSE: CHL) discussed the possibility of introducing the iPhone to the People's Republic. By December, the talks had ended, according to published reports.

What hasn't ended is China Mobile's interest in 3G technology. Next month, the carrier will begin an experiment with 25,000 3G handsets in eight cities. So far, there's no indication that Apple would be involved. And yet I find it interesting that a 3G iPhone could emerge just as China Mobile is testing the technology for widespread use.

Gphone Revealed! But Not To You (GOOG)

Want to see a demo of Android, Google's (GOOG) Gphone operating system? You can't -- unless you hit certain trade shows or work for certain blogs. Or, actually, just Google "android".

Still, NPR's Andrea Seabrook says Google's Andy Rubin has given her a glimpse of Android running on a handset that "Google has not shown... to anyone before." Cool! What's it like? She won't tell you, she says. That's the deal she's struck with Google.

Embargoes and sneak peeks are (unfortunately) standard operating procedure in gadgetland, so hard to fault Andrea for playing along. Still, it means she can't do much in this report other than recycle old news: Android will run lots of apps! It will let you make phone calls -- while using the apps! It will run on a 3G network! It will feature a version of Google Street View! (Referred to here by Rubin as Google "Street Feet".)

And, Andrea says, Android will let you play video games: "Not just the dinky ones either, but the really cool ones, with lots of fancy graphics." Intrigued? Listen in here.

Linksys Ships New Wireless-G Phone

Irvine-based Linksys said Monday that it is shipping a new Wireless-G IP phone, the iPhone, which is targeted at providing voice-over-IP connectivity via Wi-Fi. Linksys, which is owned by Cisco, said that the Cisco Wireless-G IP iPhone (WIP310) provides VoIP connectivity via WiFi Internet access, and is targeted at consumers and small businesses. The firm said that the upgraded device will be available in the third quarter from Linksys service providers and value added resellers. Cisco's iPhone line of SIP phones, which are not related to Apple's iPhone, has been available since December of 2006.

Google Phone Review - GPhone Buy Now

Google Phone Review - GPhone Buy Now ???

Some great news for Gphone. DigiTimes has information that Google will definitely launch its own-brand handset (Gphone) but has yet to finalize the handset's specifications, OS, production contractor and operating partners, according to sources at Taiwan handset makers.

Although market rumors previously stated that Google is likely to use an EDGE solution developed by Texas Instruments (TI) for its planned handset, recent developments indicate that Google is also evaluating the possibility of launching a 3G handset initially.

TI's handset chipsets will find their way into the Google phone should the company decide to roll out an EDGE-compliant handset, but Qualcomm could turn out to be the winner if Google decides to bet on a 3G model, the sources noted.

However, the choice of a 3G platform might force Google to postpone the launch of the so-called Gphone to the first half of 2008 instead of the latter half of this year as expected due to the change of platform and problems related to licensing of patented technologies, the sources indicated.

High Tech Computer (HTC), meanwhile, is being marked as the manufacturing contractor for the Gphone due to the company's expertise in ODM and brand business and its mutual cooperation with a number of telecom carriers worldwide, said the sources.

Google may also try to launch a handset running on a self-developed OS, to compete with Windows Mobile and Symbian platforms, the sources speculated.

The picture, which is probably photoshopped (even if it's a real product), looks pretty good — nothing too crazy though. It has a concealed qwerty keyboard under the display, and a couple standard buttons that look a bit like Google Talk icons. The screen appears to switch between portrait and landscape view like the iPhone — probably using an accelerometer.

The screenshot taken by the poster contains a few more details that may be of interest:

Google makes relevant information and communication tools easily accessible wherever you are

The Google Phone brings the power of the internet in your pocket, in a simple and intuitive device. It combines the traditional voice and SMS capabilities of phones with all the exciting Google services from the PC such as Search, Gmail, Maps, Blogger…

The Google Phone, designed by Samsung, is a very thing and stylish handset with a large screen and a QWERTY keypad so that it provides a real internet experience.

All these internet services will be available under a simple Internet monthly flat fee, comparable to PC Broadband products, giving you transparency and control over your mobile bill. Thanks to simple, relevant advertising, Google will even give you a 3 month discount on your mobile Internet monthly flat fee.

Google Phone ( Gphone) Pictures

Google Phone ( Gphone) Pictures

New Flickr Photos

Five new rumors for the Google Phone

Rumors have again surfaced concerning the HTC-produced Google Phone. Even though its just a rumor, its still a juicy piece of information that would keep some people on their toes. The Boston Globe has come across some rather interesting Google Phone details that will make you salivate until the search engine giant decides to release some sort of official statement.

First of all, the proposed Google Phone will not be running on Windows Mobile like other HTC products before it. Instead the operating system will be a mobile variant of Linux, same as that with Motorola Phones. Of course, it will be capable of running a Java Virtual Machine. Next, the applications on the Google Phone will all be Java-based - including the music/video player. Third, it will include a search box made with Java. Fourth, its web browser is, you guessed it, Java. And lastly, there was initially one prototype, but since then the mobile OS has been seen running on between 3 and 5 devices, all of which rock the QWERTY.

Google Phone Wishlist

Rumors of the up and coming google phone has been circulating around a lot these days. In fact, we have covered quite a few stories about it here in Mobilewhack as well. But with all the rumors, the phone needs to deliver to satisfy its target customers and not just rely on the hype that it's generating.

We've seen this article from gizmodo about the type of functions that the google phone should have in order for it to become a big hit, and even surpass the iPhone.

Tight integration with Google Apps: • Picasa: A 2MP camera with decent color and low light performance should take a shot, and upload it directly to your Picasa web storage as a mirror. Likewise for YouTube uploads.

• Google Talk: Both IM and VoIP makes this a fancy web communicator. The carriers may not like this, but we've got a feeling Google will sell this sans carrier. Oh, and other IM client support.

Google Phone, New Ad Platform

The tech world is buzzing with rumors about a Google phone. The Wall Street Journal ran an article today, quoted at SearchEngineLand, that provides some details of the development process. Apparently, Google is taking a two-pronged approach: developing their own handset, but at the same time opening up the specifications to allow other manufacturers to offer compatible phones. And, unlike Apple’s iPhone, the Google Phone (GPhone?) should be available from multiple wireless companies.

[Google] is drafting specifications for phones that can display all of Google’s mobile applications at their best, and it is developing new software to run on them. The company is conducting much of the development work at a facility in Boston, and is working on a sophisticated new Web browser for cellphones, people familiar with the plans say…

Google is hoping that multiple operators will offer its phone. And Google is ready to relinquish some control over design, allowing manufacturers to create devices based on a common set of specifications. Google has approached several wireless operators in the U.S. and Europe in recent months, including AT&T, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless, a joint venture of Verizon Communications Inc. and Vodafone Group PLC, people familiar with the situation say. T-Mobile USA, a unit of Deutsche Telekom AG, appears to be the furthest along in considering it, these people say. Andy Rubin, who helped design T-Mobile’s popular Sidekick phone, now works at Google and is involved in its handset project. [From the WSJ via SearchEngineLand]

The overriding goal seems to be not slugging it out in the intensely competitive cell phone hardware market, but rather creating a new platform for Google advertising. Free, ad-supported phone service isn’t out of the question. One thing that Google has discovered in the past is that “free” is a very attractive price point. They have taken costly web analytics software and offered it free to users, who can better manage their paid Google Adwords campaigns. In addition, Google vacuums up even more data for its insatiable effort to better understand Web users and site traffic patterns.

Wireless Market Disruption. It’s not outside the realm of possibility that Google could cause some major restructuring in the stodgy U.S. cell phone market. The big carriers that dominate wireless service in this country also dominate cell phone hardware distribution - greatly to the detriment of U.S. wireless users. Hardware choices are limited compared available those in Europe and Asia, and U.S. carriers sometimes even cripple hardware features to boost service revenue. Apple did nothing to break these oligopolistic practices when they introduced their iPhone - rather, they released it through a single carrier. It’s likely that Google will find it easier to cooperate with the U.S. wireless giants too, but they may shake up the market by offering new hardware at dramatically lower ad-supported hardware pricing.

Google Smart Phone. What would I love to see? A Google-designed smart phone. I’ve been patiently waiting for the Verizon XV6800 to release (OK, maybe not patiently), and even though I want this phone I’m sure I’ll find it has important limitations and compromises. With Google’s demonstrated creativity, I think they could probably shake up the smart phone market, too. Every employee would have one, and by the time Smart GPhone 2.0 came out, I’m sure it would rock.