Google Phone - Launch Expected End 2007

Taiwans's High Tech Computer (HTC) is reported to have started manufacturing of a Google branded mobile phone, with an limited launch expected by the end of this year. Handset component suppliers told the local DigiTimes publication that initial shipment volumes are expected to reach one million units.

The handset is expected to be dual branded with the network operator and Google - but won't have the manufacturer brand on the phone. A global launch is expected in 2008.

The Google handset is said to be based on a Texas Instruments (TI) 3G chipset platform and will feature a range of built in Google applications. Interestingly, there seems to be no plans in include a GPS capability which could have been synchronized with the Google Maps application.

HTC declined to comment on the report.

Earlier this year, a Google exec had confirmed that the search engine giant is working on a mobile phone project, but the company refused to divulge any further details. Isabel Aguilera, head of Google Spain and Portugal was quoted in the Spanish-news service, Noticias as saying that some Google engineers were using some of their allocated "blue sky" research time as working on a Google mobile phone. "

Posted to the site on 18th April 2007