Google, Sony, Microsoft, and Apple; it seems that’s ALL we hear about now-a-days, though I am a big fan of Samsung stuff…
Well, not being one to break the mold, Google has developed a prototype electronic device that bundles it’s web searching tools, e-mail, and web-based applications…oh, and it’s a phone, too. A Google Phone is currently in the works, with Google already showing off it’s prototype to cell phone manufacturers. Something to note is that Google says, instead of a high price tag like that of the Apple iPhone, which runs upwards of the $500-600 area, it would count on advertising revenue to shift the burden of cost away from the consumer. This is a risky maneuver, as I’m very sure I’m not willing to listen to ads before I make a phone call, and I’m pretty sure you aren’t, either…
Of course, there’s other, not-so-anecdotal evidence that Google has been toying around in the cellular world. Google Labs has been extensively testing the Google Voice Local Search hotline (1-800-GOOG-411); a hotline that allows you to search for local businesses, connect straight to them, or get directions via SMS. Back in June, Google also toyed around with the idea of buying a piece of the wireless spectrum for close to $5 million dollars from the FCC.
Nothing has been set in stone, as manufacturers and service providers have yet to jump on board, but don’t count it out. I’ve been hearing dates as optimistic as Early 2008 for a working model to arrive, and if that’s the case, we should be hearing more about this in the near future.
Pictures courtesy of: Google Labs;
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Since Google is all about advertising I can’t imagine why I would want this phone.