Google will announce their "phone" today.  At noon.   We use quotes because people aren't going to be buying - or leasing it as the case may be - it for its phone features - nor will it be available until the second 1/2 of 2008.  It will be a mobile browser platform and more.  Think Nokia Tablet type devices but smaller.  As for carriers, T-Mobile will certainly be one of the carriers taking it on but many othes will be jumping on.  Also think WiMAX.

This year and next will be known as the time that the desktop (or laptop as it were) moved to the palmtop.  Every major advancement is occurring in this space.  Vista and Leopard are evolutions, not revolutions...

Google's phone will most likely be light on phone features but heavy on Linux OS and Firefox browsing capabilities.  This is a very exciting time indeed!

Google Announcement Page

Fun Details below (you think many people will join the conference call?)

Google, T-Mobile, HTC, Qualcomm and Motorola to Discuss New Open Platform for Mobile Devices

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG):

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

The names of companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Contacts
Google Inc.
Erin Fors, 1-650-930-3555
press@google.com