Can You Hear Me Now?

It's about time, the geniuses behind the techno-giant are finally branching out into the cellular market, just think of the spreadsheets and slide-shows we could create then!

You Can Hear Google Now
Internet Giant Looking to Expand Into Cellphones

By Kim Hart and Zachary Goldfarb
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, November 1, 2007; D01

Google is in late stages of talks with various wireless carriers, including Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile, about equipping cellphones with new software designed by the Internet giant, according to three people familiar with the discussions.

It is one of several ventures Google is making into the wireless market as it tries to expand its Internet advertising empire to cellphones. In addition to forging partnerships with wireless carriers, Google is also talking to software developers and handset makers, these people said. Official agreements could be reached during the next two weeks.

Customizing handsets with a Google-powered operating system would rewrite the traditional wireless business model. Today's wireless carriers and handset manufacturers largely determine which applications consumers can access with their cellphones. Google aims to loosen those restraints by introducing a system that would be compatible with third-party features and services. In other words, software companies could design new features to work with Google's software.

Opening up wireless networks has been Google's top agenda in Washington. It successfully lobbied the Federal Communications Commission to apply open-access rules to a major auction of wireless spectrum. The move was hotly protested by the top two wireless carriers, AT&T and Verizon Wireless, who say opening up their networks could expose their customers to unwanted features and scams.

Google has committed to spending at least $4.6 billion to bid on the licenses for the new airwaves, potentially to build a wireless network. It has also forged other wireless partnerships, most recently with Sprint to develop software for devices that will run on its new WiMax network. Some industry speculation indicates that Google may also be developing its own cellphone.