One Google phone to rule them all?
Before Google Android was announced as a platform, everyone was expecting it to be an actual handset -- that is, a mobile phone manufactured by Google, running their software.
Android as a platform has turned out to be a brilliant success, with handsets such as the HTC Hero and Motorola Droid (pictured) impressing more than a single handset could've ever done. But could Google be planning its own Google Phone, the first truly Google-branded device to hit the market?
According to TechCrunch, Google's developing a handset that they'll sell themselves, which could be available from early 2010. While it won't actually be built by them, it will carry only Google branding, and will be marketed as the first true Google phone. Google is said to have been involved in every stage of the planning, investing more time, money and efforts into this handset than any Android device previously -- including the G1 and Droid, which they were rumoured to be heavily involved with, the G1 being the first ever Android phone, and the Droid being the latest next-gen handset Google's pushing.
TechCrunch believes either HTC, LG or Samsung will build the Google phone. HTC certainly makes the most sense as the Taiwan-based company manufactured the G1, Magic, Hero and Tattoo already, carving out a reputation for itself as being the most supportive member of the Open Handset Alliance, the body of companies backing Android. But yet LG is fingered by TechCrunch as being the company behind the Google phone, owing to some sources which have suggested it's a Korean company helping build it. Vague rumours, sure, but we'll certainly keep a close eye on all this for now.
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