While the true extent of Google's foray into the mobile realm was revealed to be a platform and not (as many had assumed) a phone, the Mountain View company still isn't ruling out one day making its own mobile device, according to Electronista. During a Q&A session about Google's newly announced Open Handset Alliance, CEO Eric Schmidt said that while his company would not pre-announce any devices, the firm would not "close the door" on the notion of one day making its own handset.
For now though, Schmidt says Google's main goal will be to establish a platform for other companies to build their phones on. And despite outstanding questions about the viability of Google's ambitious entry into the phone software business, that decision seems to be the safest for the time being. As Electronista points out, any future Google device would represent a considerable conflict for the company, both with regard to its new Open Alliance partners and the hardware manufacturers (like Apple and others) who already use various Google apps on their own devices.
Indeed, as the New York Times points out Schmidt, who sits on Apple's board, is already giving away a new mobile OS to many of Apple's competitors. That can't be making Jobs very happy. Any subsequent Google branded device would, in theory, represent an even bolder move with the company opting to not only take on Windows Mobile and Symbian, but also (maybe) the handset makers themselves. As always, Fake Steve provides valuable insight about such theoretical maneuvering:
Photo: leeander
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