Google plans branded handset launch

by Staff, revolutionmagazine.com 21-Oct-09, 15:15

LONDON - Google is reportedly working on a new Android mobile phone that will be branded with its own name and be offered, at least in the US, to consumers directly and not via mobile operators.

A US telecoms analyst has said that he has talked to designers working with Google about the launch, according to reports.

Google first sparked rumours of a Google Phone, or gPhone, when it moved in to developing the Android operating platform.

With six manufacturers already developing handsets on the Android platform, including Motorola and HTC, news of a Google-branded phone has been met with some scepticism.

A spokesman for Google UK said the company does not comment on speculation.

Earlier this week, UK mobile operator 3 revealed that it was launching its first Android handset, on a tariff that will include a subscription to music streaming site Spotify.