Google Phone

Over the last few days (ok, months for some) there has been quite a hype over something called Google Phone and some people have even dubbed it as "G-Phone"! However yesterday the official announcement was made and it was quite a disappoint for people who were actually expecting something like the Apple iPhone; i.e. an actual new handset. However the announcement is quite important as this time Google has partnered with mobile giants like HTC, Motorola, T-Mobile and Qualcomm and has formed what they call the "Open Handset Alliance". The alliance aims to "to accelerate innovation in mobile and offer consumers a richer, less expensive, and better mobile experience". Together they have developed "Android™, the first complete, open, and free mobile platform". A preview of the Android SDK will be available on Nov 12th, 2007. So what about an actual handset? Here's what the site says, "We are committed to commercially deploy handsets and services using the Android Platform in the second half of 2008". So there goes our hope for a GPhone out of the window for now. Here is the official story. This Times Online article which explains this announcement is simpler terms. Also have a look at the Android overview.