Do not believe TechCrunch, there is no Google phone
By Stefan Constantinescu on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 3:44 AM PST In Android, Rumors
Last night Michael Arrington from TechCrunch posted an article claiming that he has some magical inside knowledge about an upcoming Google Android phone. He believes that Google (NSDQ: GOOG) will make their own mobile device, with their own Google branding, but that it will be built either by Samsung or LG. Google will then sell this device as something they’ve created. When is this mythical creature supposed to be announced? January.
The same incorrect information was released by Ashok Kumar, an analyst with Northeast Securities, and published by Scott Moritz from The Street, almost a month ago. I had this to say about the Google phone rumour:
“Google would never, ever, make an Android device. That would hurt their relationships with current vendors, it requires a completely different skill set than what any Google employee currently has, and most importantly it would tarnish the image of Android since all other devices would be compared to Google’s hypothetical ultimate smartphone.”
A few days after that article on The Street hit the net, Tom Krazit from C|Net had a chance to speak to Andy Rubin, Vice President of Engineering for Android at Google. He confirmed my sneaking suspicion that Google would never hurt their partners:
“We’re not making hardware, we’re enabling other people to build hardware.”
And he later added Google does not want to “compete with its customers”.
So I’m sorry Michael Arrington, but you’re wrong.
Update: Michael responded to this article on TechCrunch. He says that it’s possible the Google phone is IP only and will work via voice over IP. I still don’t buy it.
I tend to agree.
I’m sure Google is actively working with hardware vendors & operators because:
1. they need to make sure Android supports the hardware designs & service strategies.
2. they may have design ideas that they would like to see implemented in products.
All this interaction may lead some to believe that Google is doing more than they are.
Besides, “Google Experience” smartphones already have “Google” on them, so why risk alienating partners, just to have the name on the front, instead of the back?
Personally, I think Google won’t make a unique, ‘official’ gPhone. At least, not anytime soon. Mid-year ‘10 is another matter, altogether. After hearing HTC’s CEO pointedly declare that there would be no Android-powered HD2 (!), I’d bet more than a few Googlers would have voted for the start of an in-house project, stat.
However, I disagree with your reasoning. I doubt such a move would cause major problems among Google’s partners. After all, they still get free licensing of Android. And, thus far, Google has given Android no obviously preferential treatment…note the recent Google Earth upfdate, for iPhone, only.
As to your claim that they haven’t the necessary expertise, that’s ridiculous. Do you really think they couldn’t round up enough talent? Not even with Scott Rubin and Co.? (Maybe you’ve rifled through their employee records?) What about 3rd party firms? Surely, there’s no shortage of consultants in that sector.
Meanwhile, if it turns out I’m wrong I sure hope they turn out one hell of a handset. For one thing, I want to see Android perform at its best. Plus, frankly, I’d love to see the iPhone loudmouths swallow their tongues.
Whoops! Meant to type ‘Andy Rubin’. I accidentally mashed his name with Scott Johnston, Google’s PM for Sites.
Sorry about that.
[...] compete with all these handset manufacturers who have bet on Android. Daring Fireball, PC World and InfoMobile are among the doubters. And a lot of people are pointing to a Tom Krazit/CNET article last month [...]
Then how would you explain Google’s acquisition of Gizmo5: http://googlevoiceblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/google-welcomes-gizmo5.html. They produce internet-based calling software for mobile phones and computers. They certainly didn’t acquire them for computer-based internet calling because they can already to this through Google Talk. I think this move tends to back up Michael Arrington’s theory.
I’d like to see you walk down a street having a VoIP call on today’s networks and not have your call dropped.
How about on LTE or 4G networks… heard they are just around the corner. A VOIP phone suits Google’s model the best. Data only services are the future of mobile networks. If Google leaves the adoption of such phones to the mercy of phone manufacturers or network operators, that day may never come. Networks refuse to become just dumbpipes for data. Google is not entering hardware business nor are they competing with phone manufactuters. As Rubin said they are just enabling them to make hardware – in this case a VOIP only phone. Just as they worked closely (& secretly) with HTC & Motorola now they are working with someother partner for this device. No surprises there.
[...] Fireball?PC World?IntoMobile??????????????????????Tom [...]
[...] compete with all these handset manufacturers who have bet on Android. Daring Fireball, PC World and IntoMobile are among the doubters. And a lot of people are pointing to a Tom Krazit/CNET article last month [...]
Very strong statements about something both sides are speculating on. My thoughts… there WILL be a Google phone and it is closer that most would like to think. I stated once before (http://news.netapex.org/?p=429) Google fully intends to secure mobile VoIP in Android, and the recent Gizmo5 acquisition is all but the writing on the wall. Google is big picture. And the picture I see is a low cost Android VoIP phone designed to connect to Googles VoIP network (which will probably be what Gizmo5 was purchased for) to enable free calling. That same Android software will be pushed out to other Android phones that are already on the market, and viola, carriers will suddenly find themselves having welcomed the trojan horse. So either they start adjusting their business plan (and for some reason I feel Verizon may already be working on something) or they start looking at new ways to make income.
The Google Phone — if it ever exists — will be free. More likely, it’ll be free to use: RIP, service plans.
http://bit.ly/1b2IJa
The Google phone exists, has been already spotted on the Google campus.
The question that remains is, whether it’s IP-Only or not
You have been Pwned by TechCrunch!
[...] system, and it’s definitely on its way. But yesterday the buzz was all about the forthcoming/not coming Google Phone, which everyone seems to disagree on. TechCrunch claimed it exists, despite [...]
[...] system, and it’s definitely on its way. But yesterday the buzz was all about the forthcoming/not coming Google Phone, which everyone seems to disagree on. TechCrunch claimed it exists, despite [...]
lol – FAIL!
I love how bloggers think of themselves as business analysts. You’re not. Stick to blogging about the here and now and avoid trying to predict the future of a very profitable company.
Hah….*golf clap*
A few months later and the so-called “Analysts” are eating crow. You need a little salt and pepper with this post there bud?