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Internet abuzz with rumors of Google launching a GPhone

Specialized blogs are abuzz this week with rumors that Internet giant Google will soon launch the "Google Phone" or "GPhone," a cheap mobile phone equipped with Google's operating system.

High-tech product specialist Engadget said a Google announcement would come next week, adding that a Google operating system would be tailor-made for the new cellphone.

Another blog, CrunchGear, said that "Google is currently assessing over 20 [of Taiwan's] HTC models" and plans to launch its cellphone between January and March next year.

Photos of Google's touch-screen handset are already on the Internet, and according to Rizzn.com, it will cost a mere US$100.

CrunchGear said the HTC/Google phone would have Google Talk enabled, allowing users to make free Internet phone calls.

The blog said the Google phone will not only be able to surf the net, but will also include "a special version of Google Maps, compatible with built-in GPS, and compatibility with Gmail," Google's e-mail service.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Google has already shown its prototype to US companies AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless, making it seem clear the Google Phone's launch will definitely take place in the US.

Indian blog Rediff said the GPhone will be launched in two weeks simultaneously in the US and Europe, adding that Google was talking with Indian telephone operators Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Essar, and that Bharat Sanchar Nigam could be one of the manufacturers.

Google has refused to make any comment on the rumors.

The company, at any rate, is interested in telecommunications. It recently announced it would participate in an "open" frequencies auction next January in the US that could cost it billions of dollars.

The owner of open frequencies could create a mobile phone network across the country accessible to any cellphone and not restricted to models chosen by US operators, as is now the case.

The Wall Street Journal quoted sources familiar with the dealings who said Google has invested several hundred million dollars in the project and that a phone will be launched early next year.

Google also intends to develop special applications for mobile phones, such as a search engine for ringtones, and offer free telephone subscriptions that would be financed through advertising.
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