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Thoughts @
google phone? open says it all…
Lately, when I pull out my iPhone at the doctor’s office or in a restaurant, I want to hide it in a bit of shame – because everyone else has theirs out as well. It’s the same feeling I feel when pulling my Sony Vaio laptop out at the WWDC07 conference: Uncomfortable. Normally I pride myself on having the first unlocked European version of some phone that hasn’t yet come out in the U.S. I cannot believe I feel so mainstream and trendy. I find myself asking “What’s next on the mobile horizon?”
Enter Google.
In an article by the NY Times today, the “Gphone” is rumored to hit the streets in 2008. Unlike Apple, Google is not expected to release an actual phone, but instead has developed an open-source software solution. According to the article:
In short, Google is not creating a gadget to rival the iPhone, but rather creating software that will be an alternative to Windows Mobile from Microsoft and other operating systems, which are built into phones sold by many manufacturers. And unlike Microsoft, Google is not expected to charge phone makers a licensing fee for the software.
“The essential point is that Google’s strategy is to lead the creation of an open-source competitor to Windows Mobile,” said one industry executive, who did not want his name used because his company has had contacts with Google. “They will put it in the open-source world and take the economics out of the Windows Mobile business.”
As the iPhone closes its doors to hacker/developers (for now) google paves the way for a new wave of Linux-based open source software and browsing as an alternative to Windows Mobile. Mobile web-based advertising, still in its infancy in the U.S. will be given a boost and Google-based services and software will find a new home.
How will the GPhone gather momentum and market share? Here is my GPhone wishlist.
- Operate on devices accessing high-speed 3G network allowing for a positive browsing experience.
- Leverage GPS device ability to locate and track via Google Maps instantly and accurately.
- Integrate SKYPE or VOIP services for cheap and easy phone calls and overseas calls.
- Integrate a universal IM application.
- Partner with Facebook to allow for integrated systems and one-touch mail and messaging.
- Create a ‘smart’ search that not only brings up results but also maps it, gives you the number to call and allows you to automatically save it into your address book.
- Allow open-source mobile widget creation that will also run seamlessly on desktops — allowing for a true ubiquitous cross-device experience.
- Operate on both fancy thin high cost HTC devices and also lower cost, accessible and cheap (or free!) devices that are advertising subsidized.
Ideally, the GPhone would utilize integrated search and advertising to subsidize the partial cost of mobile web browing. At least mobile web viewing (especially in Europe where 3G costs are so high) could be partially or fully subsidized due to advertising and search revenue. Is this possible? Who knows. The cost of accessing carrier-driven 3G networks is so high, and the lack of flat rates outside of the U.S. have caused a backlash in mobile web viewing. According to M-Metrics at the beginning of the year, 8% of cell phone users have ever searched the web via cell phones in the U.K., and a little over 10 million have tried it out at least once in the U.S. as opposed to 15% currently in South Korea.
Who knows what the next wave of mobile phone frenzy will be. It would be nice to have an open source contender.
Posted on October 8th, 2007 in Thoughts
Tagged as google phone 
, gphone , iphone , mobile web , mobile widgets , open source
Written by Kelly Goto
7 Responses to “google phone? open says it all…”
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October 8th, 2007
I agree totally with your last comment: it would be great to have an open source contender. Kudos to Google if they make this happen.
PS Nice site too btw.
October 8th, 2007
As the last member of Closed Loop Marketing to step into the “mobile” world, I appreciate your new mobile product investigation. I will continue to look to your blog for new and exciting mobile information.