Are Google and Orange pairing up to make our secret mobile nerd dreams come true by introducing a Googlephone? There's nothing official yet, but the Observer reports that the two companies are in talks about producing a Google-branded cellphone that would come pre-loaded with mobile versions of Google apps like Google Earth, Gmail, etc. (The phone itself would be manufactured by our old friends HTC, which implies -- but doesn't guarantee -- that this thing might run Windows Mobile.) It's not totally far-fetched; Google's been moving headlong into the mobile space for a while now. There are already handsets that come pre-loaded with Google software, and in recent months they've also offered mobile versions of Google Maps and Gmail for download. Google CEO Eric Schmidt has even waxed rhapsodic about the possibilities of
free handsets subsidized by (Google) ads. Even so, releasing a Googlephone would be a HUGE step for them, since ultimately Google's goal shouldn't be to have its
own phone, but rather to be on
every phone, right?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ZODIAC @ Dec 17th 2006 6:12PM
If its a googlephone that runs MS software (like your mock device implies) then its going to suck shank.
voidref @ Dec 17th 2006 6:27PM
I would think that it would run Access's ALP (Linux based) instead of Windows, esp given Google's predilection against Windows.
Also, Orange seems to be working with Access on a phone platform:
http://www.digitalmediaasia.com/default.asp?ArticleID=17446
brian @ Dec 17th 2006 7:53PM
'It has a potential to be a success, and to offer commercial success for both companies, particularly if Orange can link it to its broadband offering. If I was Orange, I'd want to get a share of the ad click-through revenues; if I was Google, I'd want a share of the airtime revenue. The potential stumbling block is if it's clunky and hard to use.
Broman400 @ Dec 17th 2006 7:57PM
I belive this new GooglePhone will run Google's own operating system.
Just my guess...
Just wait and see. XD