Google Finally Unveils Wireless Plans

As had been widely predicted, the search giant didn't announce an actual phone, but rather an "open phone" coalition that will develop a platform—dubbed "Android"—for upcoming Google-powered phones.

Don't expect any Google Phones in the near future—and indeed, don't expect a Google-branded phone at all, at least for now. The New York Times reports that the first handsets with Google software (to be built be such top-tier manufacturers as HTC, LG, Motorola, and Samsung) probably won't have the "Google" label on them, and they won't start appearing on store shelves until late 2008. Sprint and T-Mobile have already signed on as the U.S. carriers, according to the Times.

Google announced that it's partnering with about 34 big-name wireless companies—including the likes of Broadcom, Intel, Qualcomm, and Texas Instruments—to develop the new Android software platform, which will bring such ubiquitous Google service as Gmail, Google Maps, and the Google search engine (along with plenty of targeted ads, I'm guessing) to cell phones. The new software will also be given away to developers, who will be free to write applications based on the platform that take advantage of Google services.

It looks like Google's wireless plans are unfolding pretty much as we predicted, with the search behemoth electing (wisely, probably) to stay out of the phone manufacturing business, and instead seeking to work its way under the hoods of as many phones as possible. And it's interesting to note that Google is throwing its platform open to developers, while Apple has been far more stingy with the iPhone OS (as least until recently). At stake, of course, is billions in potential revenue from targeted mobile advertising.

So, what's your take on today's announcement? Looking forward to getting one-touch access to Google services on your phone, even if it means more ads?

Related:
Google Makes Its Entry Into the Wireless World [New York Times]