Google Finally Announcing Cell Phone Project Today

UPDATE: The announcement is now confirmed, please see below.

There are many reports from credible news sources that suggest Google will finally put us all out of our misery and tell us what its mobile initiative actually is Reuters, USA Today, and CNET are among those with “sources familiar with the matter.”

Don’t have time to read all the buzz?

Here’s the 411:

• They’re launching a mobile platform based on Linux.
• It’s either going to be called “Android” (CNET) or “G-System” (USA Today).
• Phone manufacturers on board include Qualcomm, HTC, Samsung, and Motorola. Nokia is conspicuous by its absence.
• Wireless carriers signed-up include Sprint, NTT DoCoMo, and T-Mobile. AT&T & Verizon are hesitant to sign on.
• The new platform will speed up phones and make them an open platform for developers.
• Announcement will come today, actual phones won’t appear until early next year.

It seems Google is frustrated with all the “wall gardens” in the mobile phone industry and hopes that its initiative will open things up sufficiently to allow it a better opportunity to push Google applications. Hmmm, sounds a lot like its reasons for starting OpenSocial, doesn’t it?

UPDATE: We just received the following from Google…

GOOGLE, T-MOBILE, HTC, QUALCOMM AND MOTOROLA TO DISCUSS NEW OPEN PLATFORM FOR MOBILE DEVICES

WHAT:
Industry leaders hold conference call to discuss the development of Android, the first truly open and comprehensive platform for mobile devices, and the announcement of the Open Handset Alliance, a multinational alliance of more than 30 technology and mobile industry leaders.

WHEN:
Monday, November 5, 2007, 9:00am pacific / 12:00 pm eastern

WHO:
The following executives will participate in the call:
Eric Schmidt, Chairman and CEO of Google Inc.
Andy Rubin, Director of Mobile Platforms, Google Inc.
René Obermann, CEO of Deutsche Telekom, parent company of T-Mobile
Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corp.
Paul Jacobs, CEO of Qualcomm
Ed Zander, Chairman and CEO of Motorola, Inc.

WHY:
With nearly 3 billion users worldwide, the mobile phone has become the most personal and ubiquitous communications device. However, the lack of a collaborative effort has made it a challenge for developers, wireless operators and handset manufacturers to respond as quickly as possible to the ever-changing needs of savvy mobile consumers. Through Android, developers, wireless operators and handset manufacturers will be better positioned to bring to market innovative new products faster and at a much lower cost. The end result will be an unprecedented mobile platform that will enable wireless operators and manufacturers to give their customers better, more personal and more flexible mobile experiences.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS:
Toll-free: 800-817-2743
Toll: 913-312-1295
Confirmation Code: Google 8747527

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