Search engines expand into mobile

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01/11/2007

Google announced the arrival of Android, the development of an operating system (OS) for mobiles. Whilst this OS is being backed and built by Google, an open handset alliance was announced to work on the development of the software (much the same as with the Mozilla Firefox application) The open handset alliance is made up of a group of 34 companies (including the likes of Intel, Motorola, LG and eBay) that are committed to development of interfaces to work with the system. The OS is being described as a toolbox for mobile carriers in that they can apply and edit the software to create their own unique user experiences.

On the back of this is speculation that Google will bid in the bandwidth auction that is to take place in the USA in January next year. This coupled with the new OS would allow Google entry into the mobile phone carrier market.

So is there ever going to be a Google-branded phone? Possibly, although everyone at the Googleplex denies it. It would be very tempting for Google to develop a phone that could interact with all their applications however any speculation about this would unsettle some of the handset manufacturers who are "partners" in the alliance. More on this soon.

Back to i-level Search News November 2007