Google asking HTC to make a Linux-based G-Phone to launch on T-Mobile USA in 2008?!

[terryjohnson16]

I just read this. I don't know how true it is or what not since its too early. But if its true, this would be a good rival to AT&T's i-Phone, if it this G-phone has T-Mobile USA 3G, and more features than the 2G I-phone.

Google getting more serious about the Gphone? - Engadget Mobile

Google getting more serious about the Gphone?

Posted Aug 3rd 2007 12:06AM by Nilay Patel
Filed under: Handsets, Others, T-Mobile, Linux

Rumors about about a possible Google phone have run so hot and cold recently that it's hard to keep up, but AppleInsider is reporting that the big G is making a big push in developing their own handset. AI says that investment guidance firm Anian has issued a report quoting a development budget in the "hundreds of millions" of dollars and that HTC is being tapped to build a Linux-based Gphone to be launched on T-Mobile in the US in early 2008, with Orange getting the exclusive in France and other countries. Anian also says Google has been in talks with Verizon and AT&T, and that Verizon has already shot the big G down -- much like it did with Apple and the iPhone. As always, rumors are just rumors, so we'll wait and see, but it's hard to ignore the amount of buzz that the Gphone's been getting.

Full Article:
AppleInsider | New Parallels beta supports iPhone, Google phone talk reappears

Google funneling money into cellphone project

Reuters' investment guidance firm Anian has revealed in a recent report that Google's often-rumored cellphone project is not only real but has received a large infusion of cash on the road to completion.

While short on details, the report said that Google was taking the concept of its own cellphone seriously and had spent "hundreds of millions" of dollars designing and preparing for the device. Taiwan's HTC, which regularly produces and then rebrands phones for American and European markets, was purportedly designing a Linux phone on behalf of the Mountain View, Calif.-based search engine giant. T-Mobile would be the primary carrier for the phone in the US in early 2008 while Orange would service France and other areas, Anian said.

Google had also allegedly discussed deals with AT&T and Verizon for integrating Google service into their cellphone lines but had been turned down by at least Verizon, which objected to splitting ad revenue with the potential partner. All three American carriers said to be involved in the deal declined to comment.

The move by Google to create its own phone would complicate its relationship with Apple and other phone designers such as LG, many of whom already have installed custom Google map and search tools in recent models. The iPhone to date relies on Google's Maps utility and its search engine in the mobile version of Safari, but is expected to gain more apps over time.

[christyxcore]

A GPhone? I'd want one.

[terryjohnson16]

This would be interesting if its true, and that if it has more features than Apple 2G Iphone. By the time this comes out, AT&T would have the 2G Iphone. Only thing AT&T has over T-Mobile is the coverage. If T-Mobile drastically improved their nationwide coverage to what AT&T has now, T-Mobile would be very competitive. I wonder what the design will look like once HTC makes the phone, since Google wants them to make it for T-Mobile USA.

[christyxcore]

Yeah, I'm curious about the design and can't wait til it's out so we can see the final product of this gphone. and i wonder how much it will cost lol hopefully not ~$600..

[terryjohnson16]

I doubt it will cost $600 retail. T-Mobile doesn't like to carry phones that cost that high amount, cause then they will have to charge like $350 for the phone on contract. Not everyone will spend that much for a phone, since T-Mobile is the carrier. Maybe on AT&T, or Verizon they would, due to coverage. I think if this has a good amount of features, T-Mobile might sell this for $299 or $350 with a 2 year contract. Plus, in the article is says that Google wants 3G in the phone, so hopefully by this time next year, this will be launched and T-Mobile has 3G is most areas. Hopefully HSDPA.

[christyxcore]

Yeah, I can't imagine TMo carrying a phone with a $600 price tag. 3G isn't something that I'm too concerned over, but if T-mobile does get it by next year then it would be very nice. And i'd still wanna grab a gphone =]

And tmo having 3G/HSDPA in a lot of areas would definitely help in it's competition with AT&T. T-Mobile really should get 3G asap since we're behind compared to AT&T, though I still don't like AT&T.

[terryjohnson16]

I bet once they have their 3G launched more and more phones will be coming to them, just like how all the good phones are coming to AT&T since they have 3G in most markets.

[greenblood]

if T-Mobile can work handoff between 2G and 3G out, this'll be the best
att has far better 2G signal than 3G, but this causes problem
3G 1900 reception is barely same as 2G 1900 on at&t, and their 2G 1900 reception is far weaker than 850, that the phone switch to 2G indoors, and drops call
T-Mobile may not have such problem, my guess 3G AWS reception is same as 2G 1900 if the antenna located at the same node, then 3G connection should be more consistent if the area is fully deployed