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Google Phone (or gPhone) is a potential mobile phone or smartphone speculated to be connected with search engine giant Google. The speculation that Google would be entering the mobile phone market with a gPhone was first raised in December 2006 by writer Martha McKay in The Record.[1] Since that time, reports from both the BBC and The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) noted that Google wanted "Google search and Google applications on mobile, and it is working hard every day to deliver that." Further, it's now believed that Google is "showing the prototype to cellphone manufacturers and network operators as it continues to hone the technical specifications." As many as about 30 prototype gPhones are reported to be operating "in the wild".[2]

Network World reported that Google’s GPhone is actually an open source software phone operating system, rather than a specific hardware device like the iPhone.[2] Phoronix has reported that Google is "looking to team up with OpenMoko" for the gPhone.[3] OpenMoko is a project to create a smartphone platform using free software, including the Linux kernel.

Proposed features and specifications (per WSJ)

According to The Wall Street Journal, the specifications Google has laid out for devices suggest that manufacturers include cameras for photo and video, and built-in Wi-Fi technology to access the Web at hot spots such as airports, coffee shops and hotels. It also is recommending that gPhones be designed to work on carriers’ fastest networks, known as 3G, to ensure that Web pages can be downloaded quickly. Google suggests the phones could include Global Positioning System technology that identifies where people are.

People who have seen Google’s prototype gPhones say they aren’t any better than the iPhone. But some sources say it is only a mobile OS, designed to run on hardware from other manufacturers. It began development after Google's very quiet 2005 acquisition of mobile software company Android, started by Danger cofounder and former-president / CEO Andy Rubin. At Google, Andy's team has developed a Linux-based mobile device OS which they're currently shopping around to handset makers and carriers on the premise of providing a flexible, customizable system -- with really great Google integration. One was likened to a slim Nokia Corp. phone with a keyboard that slides out. Another phone format presented by Google looked more like a Treo or a BlackBerry. It’s not clear which manufacturers might build the Google Phone, though people familiar with the project say LG Electronics Co. of South Korea is one company that has held talks with Google. However, other sources such as gizmodo.com and silicon.com have reported HTC might be demonstrating new concepts as well. Google has already lined up a series of hardware component and software partners and signaled to carriers that it’s open to various degrees of cooperation on their part, the people say.[4][5][6]

Google files for GPhone payment patent

Google has applied for a patent for a mobile payment system [7] to complement its 'plans to launch' [8] the Google phone, or GPhone. Known as 'GPay' [9], it covers a system that would let the user send a text message to Google giving the details of a payment to a specified recipient. GPay then debits the user's bank account, crediting the money to the payee.

Possible Free Mobile Phone Service

It has been suggested that the GPhone offer an ad-supported phone service in which users watch a 10 to 30 second advertisement before making a call. Users would also have an advertisement banner across the top of the screen while browsing the internet. Mostly aimed at teens and young adults, the ads would be aimed accordingly. Consumers may have the option to have them removed by paying a premium for the service.[citation needed]

The domain name www.gphone.com belongs to another company which provides global telephone call back and connectivity services. The domain name googlephone.com is registered to an individual in the UK.[10]

References

  1. ^ McKay, Martha. (December 21, 2006) The Record Can iPhone become your phone? ; Linksys introduces versatile line for cordless service. Section: business; Page L9. (writing, "And don't hold your breath, but the same cellphone-obsessed tech watchers say it won't be long before Google jumps headfirst into the phone biz. gPhone, anyone?").
  2. ^ a b Cox, John (2007-10-08). "Why Google's GPhone won't kill Apple's iPhone". Network World. But Google's GPhone is an open source phone operating system.
  3. ^ Google Using OpenMoko For gPhone?
  4. ^ Google is working on a mobile OS, and it's due out shortly at Engadget.com
  5. ^ Google Pushes Tailored Phones To Win Lucrative Ad Market at The Wall Street Journal
  6. ^ Google comes out of the closet with mobile phone plan (Accessed 20-March-2007)
  7. ^ Google files for gPhone payment patent according to Mobilemarketingnews.co.uk
  8. ^ Google admits to mobile phone plan (Accessed 20-March-2007)
  9. ^ Mobile patent application fuels Google Phone speculation (Accessed 06-September-2007)
  10. ^ googlephone.com - WHOIS search result

Further reading

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