A Mobile Phone That Does Your Taxes

November 05, 2007

Well, not yet. But today Google announced the Open Handset Alliance, a group of mobile phone technology companies, and Android, a free, open-source platform for mobile devices, that could help push cell phone innovation even beyond the iPhone. Normally I wouldn't mention consumer products in this blog, but I think the key ideas here are "free" and "open source," which could cut competitors off at the knees, while at the same time spark new and interesting uses for smart phones. Maybe make them cheaper. You should be able to get a phone late next year with the software.

The down side: It won't be available on your current phone. You'll have to buy a new one. And it could be just one more place for Google to sell and display advertising.

Comments

[Mysterymeat]

Google is like a wonderfully helpful, creative version of the Borg. All will be assimilated (see their work on digitizing all written works in the universe and making apps to knock out MS Office, building plug-in hybrids and much much more). Hopefully there's no latent dark side that'll emerge later to Take Over the World (insert creezy, sinister laugh here)!!!

[Patty]

With Google's stocks selling at $700+ a share, better buy some now before it takes another leap.

Just who does Google hire or acquire that has this type of knowledge base?