Over the past few weeks, we've had a few posts on rumors of the Google Phone. We've even had a few folks contact us saying the a major announcement is imminent. You've not doubt heard the stories of people who have seen prototypes of the "gPhone". However there are those who have doubts that Google is looking to market their own phone.
Richard Martin over at Information Week has outlined 6 reasons why Google won't sell a gPhone. He lists the following reasons as to why Google may not release the phone for public consumption. At least the gPhone may not be what you expect.
- Google is a software-and-advertising company, not a hardware manufacturer.
- The margins are low.
- The competition is fierce.
- No carrier will sell it.
- It's not fun.
- Google doesn't need to market a phone.
Well it's an interesting read, but I still can help feeling that Google will be releasing a phone product within the next year. (It may not be a traditional mobile phone as we have become accustomed to. Think of VOIP and other technologies.) Others think that the gPhone may be coming sooner than later.
Google (GOOG) is an innovative company. A gPhone isn't all that far fetched.
Editor's Note: I'm off to Vegas for a few days, but I hope to add posts from the desert. Have a great week everyone.
Labels: Google Phone, gPhone
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While I agree Google shouldn't get into a phone that's not to say they won't at least support it. And to address the 5 points:
1. Google is a software-and-advertising company, not a hardware manufacturer.
True but they do sell hardware - the google search appliance. Granted it's th e only hardware, but it is hardware.
2. The margins are low.
So? Google's Mantra has always been to release something and then figure out how to monetize it.
3. The competition is fierce.
Again, so? Google's made it quite apparent that competition doesn't scare them.
4. No carrier will sell it.
Who says? Google is very hot these days. I think a carrier would be dumb not to. On the other hand, Google may have already negotiated some kinds of carrier contract where google buys minutes in bulk and resells them to phone users.
5. It's not fun.
I definitely have to disagree with this. Has this guy even read the Gphone patent? It's way cooler than anything out there - even the iPhone
6. Google doesn't need to market a phone.
Google wants to make the worlds information universally accessible. Since people are using mobile to search it only makes sense to own that market as well.