Not a GPhone, But Google Brings A Handset Alliance and Android Open Platform

Google made announced officially today that all speculation of a GPhone (iPhone competitor) for the last few months is erroneous.   The company announced today that they’ve started the Open Handset Alliance and developed an open platform for mobile devices called Android.

Other companies that have signed on board with the Open Handset Alliance is Ascender Corp., Esmertec, Marvell, Nuance, PacketVideo, SONiVOX, Sprint Nextel, and Wind River.  Each member brings some sort of value to the table.  For example, Sprint Nextel is an extremely valuable partnership since the company already has a wide mobile device compatibility and customer base and has been promoting its Application Developers Program since 2001.

The Android platform features an operating system, UI, and applications.  Android was developed while working closely with manufacturers such as HTC, T-Mobile, Qualcomm, and Motorola.  Android does not necessarily replace Google’s strategy for developing other mobile applicaitons, but complements Google’s strategy.  In about a week, Google is also launching a Software Development Kit.  Phone manufacturers are planning on shipping units packed with the Android operating system in late 2008.

The Open Handset Alliance benefits phone manufacturers because it gives them the opportunity to compete against open source developers for the iPhone.  And we all know that open source application development was one of the drivers for high volume iPhone sales.

More information can be found on the Official Google Blog.

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2. The Rumors Are Confirmed, Google is Making a Phone.
3. Google Calendar Now Has Mobile Reminders
4. Read-Only Google Docs Application Now Available On Mobile Devices
5. Google Talk/VOIP Being Integrated Into Orkut