First, there was that rumor about the Google Phone. I stated my clear disbelief for the idea. Then Google “confirms” the story, so I corrected myself like any man with honor.
Now Google is saying the Google Phone is not real, citing – as I like to put it – reality:
The search giant said it was more logical to form partnerships with existing handset makers instead. … “At this point in time, we are very focused on the software, not the phone,” … Google was keen on porting its search and other technologies to mobile devices, but it was not interested in entering the crowded handset market, as Apple has recently done with its iPhone.
Exactly. You aren’t going to see Google pissing off its mobile handset partners any time in the future. This is a critical time for Google since the mobile Internet market is still in its infancy and a totally new king of the hill could be born if enough partners get annoyed with Google.
Mobile search is probably going to be another big cash cow for Google once it becomes as pervasive as it is in Asia.
What about the hissy-fit Larry Page threw the phone plans first leaked? Was it because his top secret project was now exposed? Hm, perhaps a better explanation is because he knew it would irk Google’s mobile partners, and the rumor is absolutely false? I mean, I’d be mad too if my partners thought I was going to stab them in the back based on a completely fabricated product announcement.
hmm.. I was suprised too that they would venture into hardware. I wonder what say Microsoft’s general plan is. I mean, they generally seem focused on software, but they do have Xbox, Zune, etc. (i assume the MS keyboard, mice etc. are just branded products.. )
Makes sense. Google would have to contract out the making of the hardware, anyways, so might as well leave it to a company that they have a business relationship with (Apple?). Still exciting…