Here at the MoGo blog, Tyler and I have been anticipating the arrival of the “Google Phone”. As he wrte yesterday, we along with many analysts have known that Google’s entry into the mobile phone arena was a matter of ‘when’ - not ‘if’.

But the exact date remains shrouded.

Yesterday was assumed by many to be the big announcement, but alas… Google dashed expectations at the very begining of the conference call;  “We aren’t announcing a Google phone today,” said Google Chairman and Chief Executive Eric Schmidt .

Instead, Google has introduced the open-platform called ‘Android’, based on the company Google purchased in 2005 from Andy Rubin (now Director of Google’s Mobile Platforms.).  The platform Google promises will be less restrictive than current popular systems.

Schmidt gave few details about what Android would look like, but the alliance’s Web site said:

“…devices built on the platform would personalize the phone’s homescreen or designate their favorite photo application to view their photos.

From a developer’s point of view, it would allow combining information from the Web with data on the phone, such as the user’s contacts, calendar or location.”

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Hold on to your hats all you Googlephiles.  Is that a word?  No.  But it is now.  We’ve all wondered it, we’ve all seen it coming, hinted around it and questioned if it was really going to happen, and now, all that has come to a head.  COULD we see a Google Phone in 2008?

Some people think yes.  Most of us hope yes.  Time will tell.  I just read an article over at MobileCrunch that poses this very same question, and comes up with some very hopeful answers.  According to their article:

“There is compelling evidence to suggest that Google is moving into the phone business. Services like Google Maps, YouTube and Gmail are perfect applications for mobile devices, so why not offer an all Google package? The company has increased its media reach over the last few years to include online video, television, radio and print advertising. An inexpensive handset that can deliver multiple forms of media is a good fit with Google’s past acquisitions. If it can make a cheap phone call, so much the better.”

Here’s to hoping.  It just better be Bluetooth ready, because when the MoGo Headset launches, I’m going to want to try it out on the new Google Phone/GPhone whatever you want to nickname it.  Hold on tight, things are going to get interesting.

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Good Gracious, another great gaggle of alliterative goodness.  Well all the “G’s” are adding up to the news that a patent has been filed for a new “pay as you go” mobile service from Google.  Speculation is what the internet does best and lately, with the quiet fluttering of photos around the blogosphere of a rumored “GPhone,” it’s at an all-time high.

The GPhone is purported to be a low-cost, internet enabled phone that allows users to place mobile calls, browse the internet and who knows what else.  With the iPhone already out, it’s not a stretch to imagine the types of features a company with Google’s money could throw into a new mobile phone product.  I gotta admit, I’m a bit excited about the prospect.

According to the article I just fumbled upon, GPay’s patent basically describes the following:

“…a system where a user sends a text message to Google that gives details of a payment to a specified payee. GPay would debit the user’s bank account and credit the payee. It suggests that a user would not have to keep an account with Gpay as payments would be made externally.”

Smooth.  The bottom line is, it better be Bluetooth, because if it’s not I’m gonna be a hot little potato.  IF a GPhone enters the mobile playing field, you better believe I want to be able to use the MoGo Headset with it.  Hey Google, if you’re reading, make sure it’s Bluetooth Ready.  Please.

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