Google is showing off its Google Phone prototype to manufacturers - may offer phone for FREE!

Just when we thought Google was ditching its own-brand handset in favor of providing other handset manufacturers with Google applications, it turns out that the search-giant is showing off a prototype of it’s mythical Google Phone to manufacturers and carriers. Google is working out the kinks on their G-Phone - preparing for a launch that could come sometime next year. (Which would miss the end-of-year launch window speculated by DigiTimes).

Google spokesman Michael Kirkland said, “We’re partnering with carriers, manufacturers, and content providers around the world to bring Google Search and Google applications to mobile users everywhere.”

According to The Wall Street Journal, Google plans to offer the device for free by bundling advertising into its search engine, e-mail, and Web browser software applications.

And, that brings up another interesting aspect in Google’s push towards wireless domination. Google recently pledged to bid $4.6 billion in the upcoming 700Mhz spectrum auction and pushed for the FCC to approve a multi-faceted proposal that would keep the 700Mhz frequency open to everyone from individuals to up-and-coming service providers.

The FCC ended up only approving rules that would keep the spectrum (or at least a slice of it) open to any device and all software - but that might be enough get Google to bid on the spectrum.

[Via: InfoWorld]