Google to unveil gPhone within next few weeks

Google is reportedly poised to officially unveil its so-called gPhone mobile initiative. According to the Wall Street Journal, within the next two weeks Google will formally announce advanced software and services enabling handset makers to begin producing Google-powered devices as soon as mid-2008--the Journal reports the search giant has already approached manufacturers HTC and LG Electronics, while potential operator partners include T-Mobile USA, Orange SA and 3 U.K. The gPhone's open software platform is expected to emphasize applications including maps, social networking and video sharing: "The most likely scenario from a Google perspective is to build some, if you will, inspirational platform [applications], but primarily focus on getting third parties to do it because that's where the innovation will come from," Google CEO Eric Schmidt said during an appearance at the All Things Digital conference in May.

For more on the pending gPhone launch:
- read this Wall Street Journal article

Related articles:
Google now mulling 3G for gPhone
Google in handset talks with operators
Google debuts AdSense for Mobile
Google brings AdWords to mobile search
Google files mobile advertising patent
Google developing mobile content search