August 28, 2007
Google Phone is Confirmed Real
An insider at electronics manufacturer HTC has told Crunch Gear that the rumored Google Phone is for real. Google is evaluating over 20 HTC models. The Google Phone will come with Google Maps with builtin GPS, Gmail email and calendar applications. Google Talk will enable VOIP over WiFi. The release date is Q1 of 2008.
The tipper said Windows Mobile 6 is in the running at the OS, but other sites say a modified version of Linux. Other speculate Google will use it as a loss leader for mobile ad revenue, so the initial launch price may be jaw-dropping. Look out Motorola, Nokia, RIMM, and Apple, there's a new kid in smartphone town and it has billions of dollars to bring to the table.
Now if they can win the major upcoming FCC spectrum auction, maybe we can do some real fun things like put Verizon and AT&T out of business with a free WiFi phone functionality with nation-wide coverage? Go Google Go!
