Is anyone sick of hearing about all of these trumped up so called iPhone killers like the GPhone? I mean we hear new rumors about the GPhone everyday now. We have not seen any official action, all that we hear are rumors and a blurry picture of a neat looking Google app’d phone. So my question for the day is does the so called Google Phone have a place with the other all in one devices?

I honestly think it does, I am only basing this decision on rumors though. If I was to believe the rumor mill then it would lead me to believe that the Google phone would really compete with the iPhone and other large contenders. This device could only be three things though, a business tool or a device aimed at the younger generation like the Sidekick series. But it could very easily be both. Google has the younger generation tuned in, and the business world is always following Google’s every move. The only way I see them releasing this to the business world is if they start making some traction with Google Docs & Spreadsheets and Gmail. In the past when we first heard the rumors of the GPhone I thought Google was the type of company to leave the OS open to the 3rd party vendors, but as days go on I am starting to think that they would not allow it. They are all about control now, and I really think that would hurt this device if that was the case.

But I want to break it down with what will hurt this device if released with out these options.

A. Google does not have an official “Media Player”.
B. Google Docs & Spreadsheet’s are limited, not very big in the business world (So far).
C. Google has no media marketplace anymore.
D. You can POP Gmail but their is no easy push features for Gmail, yet.

If Google does not have of these options and software resolved or fixed then in no way will it be competitive with any market. If it has no true media player or marketplace it won’t compete with the iPhone. If it has no true business application support it will not compete with Windows Mobile device or Palm. If it cannot build up an infrastructure like RIM for push then it won’t compete with the Blackberry devices. If it wants to compete with all of them then it really needs to be strong in all of those categories. Or does it?

Maybe Google will go back to the good old days before they were a publicly traded company, by leaving everything open! It could be revolutionary. Have it not tied to any carrier or any type of network. All that they would release is an OS and a slick piece of hardware. Load it with open office mobile, and an open source media player like Helix. They would supply preferred apps, but leave everything else open to anything. It would change the game, and Apple and Microsoft would be forced to fill that middle road. Where Microsoft messed up with the whole consumer base OS and phones, but they had great success with the business world. Apple has great success with the consumer market with the iPhone and does not have a great business backing due to the limited business software compatibility.

Now the new Palm Centro, Treo 800, Gandolf, Frodo phone or whatever Palm is calling it nowadays is soon to be released as well. Can we compare it to the GPhone on simple rumor base? The answer is simply a loud no! But if we did I would honestly say the GPhone would be more a Palm Centro device, aimed at a youth market with a $99-$150 price point before the carriers get a hold of it.

Honestly none of us even know what the GPhone is, no specs, no official info of any kind, it’s probably not even going to be named the GPhone. So why do we all get excited? Would it run proprietary software not compatible with most business/client side applications (Exchange, Outlook, Domino, Notes) or would they play nice? No one knows.

I do not understand what Google’s advantage would be to have a phone. I don’t even know what type of a company Google is anymore? I personally think they are moving to fast, and I pray and hope they don’t invest a lot of money into this project. I will most likely be shot in the foot again; just like what happened to me over the whole iPhone unlocking debacle (the masses still don’t have their paws on the software though. I’m still right!). I actually hope I am wrong about the Gphone though, it would be interesting to see what Google comes up with, but to me it just seems like they are trying everything to generate more revenue, when they should be concentrating on their meat and potatoes. Granted Google makes some great software, and we all know that the software makes or breaks a device.

So I ask this last question to anyone that will listen. If Google releases this phone is their a real spot in the vast marketplace of smart phones for another contender?

For me my answer is in two parts, if they can fill that middle ground where Microsoft and Apple cant, then my answer is yes. If they go it alone, then my answer is no.

I wish good luck to Google.

In the yet-another-Google-phone-rumor department, Rediff.com is reporting that Google is just “a fortnight away” from launching its Google Phone.

According to Rediff Google is in talks with service providers in India for an exclusive launch. The Gphone will launch simultaneously in the U.S. and Europe.

Ummm. That’s was fast. I have my doubts on this one. Google must have the most tight lipped employees in the world of no one else saw this coming. Just seems odd to me. I’m putting my money on it that this does not happen anytime soon. But I have known to be wrong many a times. I guess I’m not the only one that is thinking that this is a bit of a farce.

Maybe it’s the fact there’s a Google Phone rumor every other week or so. Perhaps it’s the unnamed sources.

According to Rediff.com Google only needs FCC approval and it’s ready for lift-off. That’s a pretty big hurdle for a launch that’s supposed to happen real soon. And then there’s the whole partnering with wireless carriers thing Google has to work out for the Gphone.

I think this would be a neat new gadget for the market, but honestly does anyone really believe this?