Google all set to expand its Empire to Mobile Land

When iPhone was making vibrations in the mobile market, Google was quietly crafting ideas to jump in the contest and lock horns with it sometime in the near future. The search engine company has reportedly developed prototype cell phones that could be out within a year.

Google has been testing new softwares and mobile services to bundle it all together with its search engine and new mobile web browser, to be able to present an attractive product.

The company has approached wireless operators including T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless, in its endeavor to dive deeper into the cellphone market.

"We are partnering with almost all of the carriers and manufacturers to get Google search and other Google applications onto their devices and networks," a Google spokesman said.

The major revenue source for Google in this case is most likely to be commercial advertising. The company brings in more than $40m (£20m) a day from adverts next to search queries on personal computers but believes it would get access to a fresh lot of local advertisers on mobile devices.

Although, rampant rumors of Google-phone have been floating on the internet for months, the company is dodging detailed questions. "At Google we are dedicated to providing access to the world's information, with an ultimate goal of helping users access the information they want, no matter when or where they want it," a spokesman said yesterday. "What our users and partners are telling us is that they want Google search and Google applications on mobile, and we are working hard to deliver that."

Google’s announcement of spending $4.6 billion to buy wireless spectrum in a U.S. Federal Communications Commission auction, further fueled the speculation.

The company has seen some success by integrating its search software with mobile phones in Europe but the U.S. market is rigid.

“Google's success in its venture will depend largely on the details it is still defining with its manufacturing and network partners, and whether customers are willing to trade user fees for intrusive advertising,” said Jeff Kagan, an industry analyst in Atlanta.