The Google Switch: an iPhone killer?
Color us skeptics on this one, but we've got a tipster claiming to have the scoop on Google Switch. This version of the mythical Googlephone is said to be the result of a collaboration with Samsung -- not Alpha Networks or HTC. Of course, it's a button-less touchscreen device as is the rage these days only this time with GPS built-in for pinpoint navigation around Google Maps. What's pictured in that all too familiar blur (Photoshopped?) is the phone's contact program said to be an extended version of Gtalk combining Gmail, text and instant messaging. According to our tipster, the device doesn't have any on-board storage. That's right, all your applications are served up over the network with new apps "attached" to your account via a web interface. So what is it... the real deal or engorged fanboy fantasy? Check the gallery below for biggie pics suitable for dissection. (Source: http://www.engadget.com/)
Google Making a Free, Mobile GPhone?
United States of America (Press Release) August 29, 2007 -- What’s been dubbed the Google Phone or the GPhone, may be the provider of a free, ad-supported mobile service. The company is working on a new web browser for cell phones, and is wanting to put its service at the forefront of people using handheld devices. While Google has already extended its ads services from the web to print and radio ads, its mobile advertising offering has already been established, along with its search capabilities and GMail integration, among other applications.
Considering the issues it’s had regarding mobile network providers, however, it would appear that Google is anxious to dominate the mobile industry on a number of levels, acting independently of any particular mobile carrier. Creating its own handset with mobile browsing functionality would put other companies at the mercy of Google, on several levels, when it comes to the potential users of its handset, which would hopefully be offered through several wireless companies, from AT&T to Verizon.
If someone were to offer a free, ad-supported mobile option, Google would be among the most likely to succeed. It’s a delicate business model that requires existing relationships with several aspects of the mobile and advertising community, and that’s something Google has. Blyk is one company that’s been working on a similar offering for some time now, and has not yet reached its goal of launching its service to the public.
In related news, Google is working with Sprint Nextel on a WiMax offering and has also created an Ajax search tool for the iPhone. (Source: http://www.free-press-release.com/news/200708/1188433622.html)
Google Developing Phone Software, Not Phone Itself
March 25, 2007 (Press Release) -- Google Inc. (GOOG) is building software to run services on cell phones rather than gearing up to build its own phone, as many industry sources have speculated, one Wall Street analyst said on Thursday.
Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said in a research note to clients that Google appears to be building software for Web search on cell phones and location-finding services to work with Apple Inc.'s (AAPL) iPhone and other cell phones.
"We believe Google is working with, not against, Apple in the mobile world," Munster said.
In recent months, various reports have described how Web search leader Google could be developing a "Gphone" � a low-cost, Internet-connected phone with a color, wide-screen design.
Newspaper and blog reports in recent months have Google shopping its phone design to potential cell phone manufacturing partners in Asia.
Gadget enthusiasts who only two months ago were obsessed with the potential revolutionary impact on the phone industry of Apple's iPhone device � due out in June and at prices starting at $500 � have shifted their attention to whether Google is developing an even lower-cost phone.
"We obviously need another mythical mobile to drool over and speculate about � and the natural candidate is, of course, the so-called Google phone," geek hardware site Engadget wrote earlier this month at http://tinyurl.com/3b7bow.
"Mobile is an important area for Google," Google spokeswoman Erin Fors said last week. "We remain focused on creating applications and establishing and growing partnerships with industry leaders to develop innovative services for users worldwide. However, we have nothing further to announce."
Speculation about Google products has been wrong before.
Google was widely reported to be building its own line of personal computers a little over a year ago. What in fact materialized was a set of free software programs designed to make any existing Windows PCs easier to use.
Over the past year, Google has branched out beyond computers to bring Web search, e-mail, mapping and other Internet services to millions of new and existing phone browsers worldwide.
Rivals Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) and Yahoo Inc. (YHOO) also are racing to run Web services on cell phones. (Source: http://www.free-press-release.com/news/200703/1174876771.html)
