There had been some rumblings recently of Google developing and releasing their own Google branded phone, powered by their Android mobile operating system. These rumors were dismissed, however, there were some industry insiders stating it was most definitely not just a rumor.
Google has now released confirmation that a “mobile lab” device has been released to certain employees this weekend for testing purposes. These employees have taken to Twitter touting the “beauty” of the phone, and basically stating that (in so many words) it’s the second coming of Jesus (which is of course, subjective). However, even more stunning are details coming out late this evening that not only is the phone real, and being tested by Google Employees internally, but it is also going on sale directly from Google in 2010 (maybe as soon as January).
Here are some high level bullet points:
- The phone is apparently called the Nexus One (at least tentatively)
- It will be sold directly by Google online, and will require your own cell phone carrier (unlocked?)
- The phone is physically built for Google by HTC, but will be complete Google branding
- The phone will feature: Android 2.1, Snapdragon processor, OLED touch screen, no physical keyboard, dual mics for noise reduction
- T-Mobile may “support” the phone on launch (not sure what this means, exactly)
This is all pretty mind blowing news on multiple fronts. While Google already has deals with multiple vendors that carry their Android mobile OS on their hardware they’re going way beyond that with this implementation of their own phone. Not only are they running their own branding, not only is the device itself supposedly mind blowing compared to other smartphones, and not only does it appear to be unlocked from the get go, but they’re selling it themselves outside of any exclusive cell phone provider agreements.
If they’re successful the implications of this could be huge; not just for Google, or maybe even just Android OS, but for the entire industry as a whole. I could very well be missing something here, but I don’t believe there has been an occurrence like this before, at least not with a device of this scope. I think technologists need to keep their eyes peeled on this, and look out for any new information to come directly from Google shortly after the holiday season has passed.
UPDATE: Here is a picture of what appears to be the phone from Twitter
UPDATE 2: There has been a lot of speculation and information flying around the net this weekend about this hot topic. Since there are still big pieces of information we do not know until Google makes official and verbose announcements, please expect the information here to potentially change.
[Read More: The Real Google Phone: Everything Is Different Now]
