There’s a brand-spanking-new version of the Google’s Android SDK out right now, replete with new apps, a new skin, and tightened-up functionality. In fact, it’s almost like a whole new OS.

Check out the Android Gallery

Source: Engadget Mobile

Google’s new platform, Android, takes on the might of Nokia’s Symbian, Microsoft’s Windows Mobile, and Research In Motion’s BlackBerry, promising to turn handsets into fully functional PCs.

Google, through a collaboration with 33 other companies, is going to launch in two years a Rs 4,000 mobile phone that will replace personal computers completely. The alliance is targeting Internet-enabled smart phones where the asking price worldwide is closer to $ 200 rather than $ 20.

The Open Handset Alliance will include handset makers, technology developers and carriers, the prominent among them being Qualcomm, NTT DoCoMo, Telefonica, LG, and Samsung. Google will offer up something called the “Android Mobile Software Stack”, an integrated family of software including an operating system and new mobile applications.

Source: The Pioneer

Dan Morrill builds a simple application on the Android platform.

Source: Youtube

Video 1

You can also win $10 Million for creating the best app. See the video for details.

Video 2

Bruce Leak and Timo Bruck from SkyPop demo a couple of their new applications for Android

Source: OpenGardens

Google has developed prototype handsets, is currently in talks with operators such as T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless, and has talked through technical specifications with phone manufacturers. Consumers can expect a variety of Google phones from multiple manufacturers based on its specs and better yet you may not even have to change carriers because it’s more than likely multiple operators will offer them.

Beautiful concept rendering of the Google phone courtesy of T3.

Don’t dump that new iPhone or old clamshell phone just yet because the Google Phone  wouldn’t be available until next year at the earliest, say people familiar with the project.

Source: Google-Phone.com

Google is reportedly closing in on the worldwide launch of its branded handset, the so-called gPhone. According to Business Standard, the search giant is currently in discussions with Indian mobile operators Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Essar to debut the device in early September. Sources close to Google say a simultaneous North American and European gPhone launch is expected, with the company currently waiting for federal regulatory approval before rolling out the handset in the U.S market. The Bharti Airtel and Vodafone negotiations are said to encompass mobile data, IM and search solutions as well.

Reports suggest Google plans to invest roughly $8 billion on the gPhone and related mobile initiatives. The Wall Street Journal previously reported Google invested “hundreds of millions of dollars” in the gPhone project, and entered negotiations with T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless.

Source: Business Standard

Google plans to launch a mobile application, it looks at the potential app through six layers:

1. Understanding users, anywhere, anytime

2. Fits in your pocket

3. More personal than the PC

4. Consistency across modes

5. Localization is intensified

6. Integrated devices, modes, products

Google breaks down mobile users into three behavior groups:

A. “Repetitive now”
B. “Bored now”
C. “Urgent now”

Link: Google’s Mobile User Experience Strategy

Source: Informationweek

An interesting patent application published this week shows a landline phone capable of displaying contextual adverts to users based on a number of parameters.

The patent document, discovered by ZDNet, shows how the Internet Protocol Phone System would be able to display Google Ads as well as other HTML and image adverts downloaded from the internet.

Imagine if your landline phone was subsidised by Google (or a similar advertising company) in return for you viewing targeted adverts based on the people you call and your location? Nobody minds the ads at the side of Gmail and most users would be happy seeing discreet ads on a screen on their landline phone in return for cheaper phone bills.

Source:  Mad4mobilephones

Well if this is the much hyped Google phone, then watch out for some serious competition.

Following are the specs : 

The Google Phone brings the power of the internet in your pocket, in a simple and intuitive device.  It combines the traditional voice and SMS capabilities of phones with all the exciting Google services from the PC such as Search, Gmail, Maps, Blogger…

The Google Phone, designed by Samsung, is a very thing and stylish handset with a large screen and a QWERTY keypad so that it provides a real internet experience.

All these internet services will be available under a simple Internet monthly flat fee, comparable to PC Broadband products, giving you transparency and control over your mobile bill.  Thanks to simple, relevant advertising, Google will even give you a 3 month discount on your mobile Internet monthly flat fee.

Source: ZDNet