Comment: Has Apple been Googled?
As Apple and its network partner O2 gear themselves up for the long awaited UK launch of the iPhone, Google is preparing a mobile strike of its own. The G-Phone is not a handset like the iPhone, but is an open software platform designed to give mobile handsets easier and faster access to Google services such as search and mail. As Google’s stock rises above $700 on the speculation, the expectation is that Google will come clean tomorrow with an announcement that is likely to revolutionise the entire mobile industry.
Codenamed ‘Android’ the new platform is expected to incorporate software from the Linux world and involve more than 30 of the biggest names in the mobile industry including NTT DoCoMo, KDDI, Qualcomm, Broadcom, HTC, Intel, Samsung, Motorola, Sprint, and Texas Instruments.
With very deep pockets and backed by industry giants, Google certainly has the means to deliver a true mobile computer. Indeed Android could turn the industry on its head by moving away from subscription services towards ad paid free services.
