So far we have only seen a key driven interface for Google’s Android OS but yesterday, a video that appeared on the BBC website seemed to confirm that there is already a touchscreen version of the OS up and running.
The sleek looking unit pulling this trick is referred to in the video only as a ‘reference design that one of our partners built for us’ by Google’s director of mobile platforms, Andy Rubin. Could this be the first ever video of a true Gphone?
Continue reading ‘Android touchscreen ‘reference design’ demoed on BBC’
Ok time for the gPhone rumour du jour. According to yet another tipster, Samsung is going to build two Android based devices both of which will bear the Google brand as opposed to its own.
Apparently there will be a higher end model released first this autumn followed by a lower spec device which it is claimed will cost less than $100. The source also claims that the device won’t look dissimilar to the Blackberry Pearl but will have a flip out screen.
Sounds like a bit of a design contradiction to us and considering the frequency of similar claims that have been made over the last year, it is hard to take these supposedly leaked facts seriously. What you can bet on is that Google will look to an experienced third party to craft a branded handset at some stage, whether or not that third party will be Samsung remains to be seen.
(Via engadget mobile)
Google’s forthcoming Android mobile OS has been romantically involved with more handset manufacturers than Kate Moss has with rock n roll musicians. Which is why we are greeting the rumor that Dell is set to partner with Google to launch an Android focused handset with a raised eyebrow and a non-committal shrug.
The device would essentially amount to a Gphone, something that could potentially alienate other manufacturers, which is a move that Google can ill afford given its software is as of yet unproven.
That isn’t to say it’s completely impossible; Dell has been pretty vocal about its step into the mobile space. Even so, despite apparently coming from “senior industry sources” this, as far as we are concerned, is more a juicy rumour than a potential iPhone killer. We should know for sure by next month when the handset is supposedly set for a grand unveiling. Who’s that in the back holding their breath…
(Via engadget mobile)
As excitement rose over the weekend about Google’s rumoured ‘Gphone’ announcement today, CNet news has come up with a convincing analysis as to what we might expect.
It seems the ‘GPhone’ might not be a specific handset, but instead will be a suite of software for mobiles based on open-source technology (Think a Google equivalent of Windows Mobile or Symbian), adopted by manufacturers.
It’s believed the platform will be code-named Android, which coincidentally enough, was the name of a mobile software company acquired by Google in 2005.
Sources close to Google have said that a software development kit for mobiles is in the works, and that a whole range of companies are involved in something called the Open Handset Alliance, featuring over 30 companies including HTC, Samsung and Motorola.
Basically, what CNet is saying is that Google’s plans are for a completely open mobile software platform that will go against the ‘walled garden’ approach so often taken by mobile operators, and which would open up the mobile internet.
If Google is successful in getting mobile manufacturers and operators to adopt its platform, this could be a seismic event in mobile. Then again, if all this is untrue, then it won’t.
Okay, so there’s been quite a few rumour-crumbs dropping from the Google table of late. This time we have a few bits ‘n’ pieces via the Boy Genius Report.
Apparently the Gphone’s Java and Linux-based user interface is shaping up nicely, with fast operation and the ability to run lots of Java Virtual Machine apps. There’s also a custom browser which has ‘pan-and-browse features’ similar to those seen in Apple’s iPhone.
The tie-in with Taiwan’s HTC is reconfirmed, with the BGR saying that, ‘Google has the mobile OS running on 3-to-5 devices, most of them likely made by HTC, and all have QWERTY keyboards.’ We must be due an official announcement from Google soon, surely…?
