First sighted in 2007, the Google Phone's existence is finally
being acknowledged by the search engine company, which said it has
given mobile phones using its Android operating system to its
employees.
Google remained circumspect about plans for the Google Phone,
called Nexus One internally, but it discussed the device on a
company blog over the weekend.
"At Google, we are constantly experimenting with new products and
technologies and often ask employees to test these product for
quick feedback and suggestions for improvement," Google said. "We
recently came up with the concept of a mobile lab, which is a
device that combines innovative hardware from a partner with
software that runs on Android to experiment with new mobile
features and capabilities."
While various versions of Android-powered handsets -- offered by
carriers -- have been selling well, they lag behind sales for RIM
Blackberries and Apple iPhones. A Google phone, marketed by Google
without the assistance of mobile phone service providers, could
appeal to customers interested in prepaid plans, which have been
rapidly gaining customers in recent months. The Google device is
reported to be manufactured by Taiwan's HTC, which makes hardware
for several popular mobile devices.
A beefed-up internal program for a Google phone could also help the
company develop a more software developer-friendly infrastructure.
Developers have produced more than 100,000 apps for Apple's iPhone
and many software developers have been grumbling that Google's
multiple Android designs make it too difficult and uneconomical for
them to develop apps for Android handsets.
Last month, a survey of 30 software developers conducted by
location technology provider Skyhook Wireless, found that many
Android developers were dropping Android application work and
returning to work on iPhone apps.
Recently, the Wall Street Journal reported that people familiar
with the new Google phone said the search engine firm plans to sell
the Nexus One online. Google has declined to discuss its internal
phone beyond its brief blog comments.