Google's Linux-based mobile platform coming soon
By Jacqui Cheng
October 30, 2007 - 11:02PM CT

Get ready, because the gPhone is on its way. The buzz has been getting louder again over what the world can expect from the long-rumored Google Phone, and we may be hearing more from official channels as early as next month.

The gPhone could come through a hitherto unlikely source: Verizon. A person familiar with the matter has indicated to the Wall Street Journal that Google is courting Verizon heavily to carry the device once it hits the market in 2008. This is despite the two companies having sparred over the 700MHz spectrum auction-specifically, the open access rules.

But when it comes to competing in the cellular market, Verizon is apparently willing to put aside its objections to Google... or at least consider doing so. Google is also rumored to be in talks with T-Mobile in the US, as well as Orange in France and 3 in the UK. Google also plans to announce software within the next couple of weeks too, according to the WSJ's sources.

The emphasis there is software-Google is (still) not manufacturing its own handsets, but has instead approached a number of manufacturers, including HTC and LG Electronics, to build a phone tailored for Google.

Ars Technica
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