This story from today's New York Times gives the first broad account of various strands of rumors and speculation that Google is going to make a major play in the mobile phone universe.
Now, we know that Google tried to influence the FCC spectrum auction to force carriers to adopt open standards for their handsets. And we know that Google has hinted at bidding for that spectrum during the auction. But what is the big picture here?
The Times article shows that Google is working on a Linux-based OS for mobile handsets. The mobile Web would be infused with Google ads, thus allowing handset makers to lower the cost of the handset and presumably offer an IPhone-like experience for much less money.
This seems to me to be a powerful and necessary move for Google. As it is growing right now the mobile phone world is far from the open Internet. It's locked into poorly designed boxes that are then locked to poorly performing service companies. American mobile communication is a disaster for consumers and innovators. Google offers hope. But how much hope?
Will Google be able to convince the major mobile phone carriers to abandon the proprietary models they have established? Google is fighting with Verizon et. al on many fronts. What can come of all that?
And if Google triumphs and we all start using Google-based smartphones, will the systems merely be locked down on Google's terms?
Any insights out there?
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Comments (3)
One angle could be linking up with Google Earth for augmented reality projects. I check my G-phone for information about this building in front of me - I can use Google Maps, of course. Or check 3d models built in Sketchup and associated with that location, either locally or in whatever Google's Second Life version looks like (Google World!).
With the rollout of WiMax in the next few years and the advent of phones that use WiFi, WiMax and traditionall cell phone spectrum simultaneously, I would guess that traditional wireless carriers are going to have to adapt to open standards to continue expanding.
On the other hand, Google has been playing in a pretty sheltered schoolyard the last few years. They have yet to step out and play with the big kids on the block. I am referring to Comcast and ATT and Sprint and Verizon(Yes, I know they are not all wireless carriers). Even if the big kids are willing to accept more open standards they are still going to play really rough with Google. The big telecoms don't enjoy the same fat profit margins which Google does so they will fight ever more tenaciously for every dwindling bit of profit that remains. Vonage is a good example of what happens when you go head to head with them. They have just about killed Vonage while simultaneously providing a vonage type service on their own networks.
the big plus that google could bring to a google phone is integration with grand central, their pbx-in-the-sky.
there's a mobile version of it with a browser but it could be oh so much better