Google is working on a mobile OS, and it's due out shortly
By Ryan Block 
posted August 28th 2007 2:07PM
posted August 28th 2007 2:07PM
Can it be true? Is the Googlephone nigh at hand? Not that we haven't been hearing this time after time (after time after time, etc.), but we've actually got some hot news from a number of very trustworthy sources about Google's plans for the mobile space. Namely, Google's mobile device platform is well on its way, and will be announced in the very near future.We understand that the "Gphone OS" (our name for it, not theirs) began development after Google's very quiet 2005 acquisition of mobile software company Android, started by Danger cofounder and former-prez / CEO Andy Rubin. At Google, Andy's team has developed a Linux-based mobile device OS (no surprise) 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, of course.
As for the timeframe on this thing, we keep hearing Google will announce its mobile plans some time post-Labor Day (September 3rd); from what we've heard Google isn't necessarily working on hardware of its own, but is definitely working with OEMs and ODMs to get them to put the Gphone OS on upcoming devices. Think of it more in terms of Windows Mobile or Palm OS (in the early days) -- Google wants to supply the platform, but we don't think they want to sell hardware. Still, don't entirely rule out the idea. Andy Rubin knows how to make a device and put it in peoples' hands, so nothing is impossible on the hardware side. Either way, we're totally stoked to peep the software, we've been waiting for the Googlephone for years on years.
Still, we can't help wondering what El Jobso thinks about all this. Apple has been so buddy-buddy with Google lately, especially on the iPhone -- and now Apple's mobile team is on the verge of outright competition with one of its closest partners. We know that's how the industry works, but it's got to sting a little, you know?
Or you could just check gizmodo for some news about HTC developing the actual phone. I hope its not WM6 on there... google needs their own presense.
Plus, if a former Danger guy desgigned the OS - it has to be slick.
There you go.
If they make all phone calls free, bring on the text ads baby!
the best way for google to compete against the iPhone is to make the OS open source - that way, a huge community driven programming power will be at their service.
Another thing - they would probably like it to eventually bring on the WiFi revolution - free WiFi based internet, meaning free internet based VOIP. Of course, this would require a tiny infrastructure work in the real world... nothing the big G can't handle.
That would be a killer app...
Google should think about aquiring HTC. I'm dead serious. If they can developt their own OS and integrate it into HTC devices, I'll be first in line and I'm even willing to sacrifice by staying overnight iPhone-style :D
Bogdan ... acquiring HTC wouldn't be a simple thing by any means. Through June 30th, they reported $2.34B in USD of total assets, and around $500M USD worth of profits in the first half of the year alone. DoubleClick, which google recently agreed to acquire for $3.1B USD in cash, brings in around $300M-$350M USD yearly ... of revenue, not profit. HTC brings in nearly 5x what doubleclick brings in.
Considering google emptied out most of their bank accounts to pay for DoubleClick (the total came very close indeed to their entire profit for the previous year) ... how do you expect them to be able to buy HTC?
I hope Blackberry works with google to get a better Operating system. Google always listens to what people want.
Personally I just hope it'll be truly open. "Linux based" does not necessarily mean "free and open" (think Tivo). Also, if the devices are being sold on the basis of ad support, it's likely the OS will be locked down so that people can't just ditch the ads as soon as they get it home.
If it is open, though, it could fulfil my wet dream of a 3G Neo1973.
I'd love to see a pure VOIP phone from them...forget the cell stuff...no contracts at all. I know it won't replace a cell phone yet because of coverage, but it would push things that way!
Whats to say that apple and google won't work together and allow you to install G OS on to the iphone.
Google online Device dot com! great idea! Done!
WoW google is always tryingto grab a pie thatstrenbths its portfolio. looking forward to have is own software for all kind of mobiles andavailabe by all reselllers like www.youpark.com
This makes sense. I am surprised that the Andy Rubin angle hasnt been spoken of until now. Google acquired them nearly 3 years ago...
MOre thoughts:
http://abhishek.tiwari.com/2007/08/29/are-you-ready-for-the-google-phone/
google has some of the most evil UIs out there. i grudgingly state that M$ has better usability than google. goog needs to stay out of anything they are slapping a face on, or have a third party do it.. get apple to make the ui, but actually add functionality.. lets hope it is not as limiting as windows though.
the competition is not between apple and google ...it is between microsoft, palm, and google. apple sells hardware. liken them to a nokia or LG. google and the others provide software.
Google is going to have to compete with Microsoft and HTC in the next coming months. Microsoft is making superior strides with touch technology. Check out the Microsoft Surface and some of the ancillary products associated with it (i.e. Microsoft Silverlight). All of these new technologies will be built into handheld devices and most likely with T-Mobile in the states....
Want to read more about Googles worldwide movements? Check out Mark Cubans blog (yes, that mark cuban).
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http://www.testing.onlytherightanswers.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=58
Okay so everyone here has assumed that gphone will directly compete with iphone. Have any of you considered that "Gphone OS" may be a replacement OS for the Iphone?
Now before I get shot down with that, I do realize that the OS is part of the package deal but Apple hardware is what makes Apple systems awesome (Computers included). It's proprietary, but it's a standard on its own level.
Google takes the same approach to software (Aggressive, push for software improvements even though it's not necessarily compatible with its peers, Gmail compared to Hotmail as an example) that Apple does with hardware. (Backwards compatibility is not stressed, instead they push forward with new technologies that outperform many technologies in the PC industry at the same speeds)
It seems to me that if the two were not competitors, but allies, the pieces would fit together better. What do you think?
Google OS - better than Symbian?