Google tipped to enter mobile market

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A blog posting referencing sources from within Google claims the vendor is close to launching its own mobile handset and operating system (OS).

The blog, by independent project manager Mark 'Rizzn' Hopkins says his source from within Google confirmed rumours that it was aiming at the $100 laptop market with a new handset due to be publicly unveiled in as little as two weeks time.

The Google Apps suite of office productivity software is said to play a major part in the delivering the new mobile OS functionality, which is built on a modified version of the Linux kernel. And it is expected to also offer location-based, integrated GPS and Google Maps capabilities.

The allusion to the cost of the phone, along with the comment that "it's less about beating Apple's iPhone," suggests the handset cost will be subsidised and that revenue will be generated by targeted advertising opportunities, building on its lead in the online ad marketing space.

The post also suggested Google may be looking to bid for the FCC's upcoming 700Mhz spectrum in order to assure as yet, unnamed aspects of its feature set.

As the blog post sent the tech world into a rumour frenzy, additional speculation suggest Google not developing the handset - already dubbed the 'gPhone' - itself. Instead, it has been suggested it is working with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and own-design manufacturers (ODMs) to embed the Gphone OS on upcoming devices.

It has also been suggested Google has based its foray into the world occupied by Windows Mobile, Palm and most recently, Apple is the fruits of work around an acquisition of mobile software company, Android in 2005.

Google refused to comment on what it said were mere "rumours and speculation".

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