Yesterday (Oct, 8, 07) NYTimes Business Section had an interesting but relatively negative article about the rumored GPhone project at Google (see "For Google Advertising and Phones Go Together" http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/08/business/media/08googlephone.html ). It is a bit strange that it is taking Google 2 years to develop a Linux based OS and programs for cells. Apple does not have Google's resources and iPhone has been doing relatively well; also setting the bar pretty high up there :-)
But one should not under estimate G either. As more computing and entertainment is moved to the third screen (i.e. mobile devices), ubiquitous computing is becoming more and more a reality -- and Google does/should understand that space.
Second, it is not exactly true that G doesn't make hardware. They do, but not for the consumer market. They do not have to either! if Apple can make a phone so can Dell, and HP does have a smart phone already. A carefully crafted strategic alliance -- the type that Yahoo! is famous for -- is a viable option. Incidentally, Y's Internet apps are supposed to be very well done.
Moreover, the article only mentions mobile Ads. That may not be the only reason. Pushing other applications like, Google apps and streaming video from G's YouTube, plus long range plays such as peer to peer networking communication or creating an ultra-mobile computing device (one that can hook up to power, a keyboard and a large display) can also be in the long term cards.
Lets not be naive though. As a stand alone device, power and a small display will still be issues for a while.
From a competitive stand point, I have never owned a Windows mobile device. But if their OS is anything like Vista, a "well done" Linux based cell will be a welcome entry. Not sure where that will leave Symbian, Palm OS and other players in that space.
Coincidentally, today Google bought a finish mobile social network http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/09/google-buys-social-mobile-startup-jaiku/ :-) If I was Yahoo! I would approach Twitter…
Peace, E
--
Esfandiar Bandari, PhD, MBA
http://www.linkedin.com/in/ebandari
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