So is it a GPhone, or a G-mobile OS?

Gphone, Gphone, Gphone. That’s all we hear nowadays. The speculation will likely continue until we hear confirmation from the company themselves, but until then, it’s fun to just guess, right? So yesterday, Lehman Brothers reported that we could see a Gphone by February 2008. Very nice. But then we go and read things other places that say it won’t be a Gphone, but rather a Linux-based mobile operating system. No, there is no further clarification on this issue. Both are still possibilities. We give Google massive credit for keeping this all under wraps. It’s well-known that they have an interest in entering the telecommunications industry; they went through great lengths to get the open-access provision in the 700 MHz spectrum auction. So what better way to make an entrance than by introducing your own phone? The idea of a mobile OS comes about because of all the complications of hardware manufacturing, especially for a software company. Beyond the manufacturing process and inventory, they also have a relationship with Apple to consider. If the GPhone comes to fruition, it will rival the iPhone. And because Google wants to give away their phone eventually — yes, for free — that would put the screws to Apple.

Schmidt has not been shy about his vision for the mobile market. He’s even gone so far as to suggest that cell phones should be given away for free in exchange for targeting mobile ads to the consumer. While free Gphones may get consumers excited, Google won’t make any friends with the major phone carriers like AT&T and Verizon Wireless.

Honestly, Google shouldn’t want to be making friends with them. They’re the antithesis of them! Whichever way they do it, though, hardware or software, we’ll likely back Google in their foray into the telecommunications industry. After all, it’s in dire need of a hero. [CNN Money]]]>