Speculation about Google’s hardware plans is reaching a fever pitch, as the company has invited members of the media to an “Android press gathering” on Jan. 5 at the company’s “Googleplex” headquarters.
News of the press event comes as the rumor mills have been churning with details of a Google-branded, HTC-built, Android-based cell phone. Previously, Google execs had hinted that a Nexus One device was being produced for internal research only, maintaining that it was a “mobile lab” utilizing the Android platform that was shared with Google employees. Leaked details from people claiming to have gotten their hands on the device indicated they were impressed with the phone’s high-resolution screen and super-fast web browsing.
If that weren’t enough, Google watchers also say the company plans to sell its own branded Android-based netbook to consumers in the 2010 holiday season.
While some analysts pooh-pooh the idea that Google is looking to compete with the likes of Apple in the consumer hardware business, it’s increasingly looking like consumers will be able to purchase a Google phone, if not a Google netbook.
Showing Up CES, Apple
If nothing else, the timing of the event — just hours before companies start holding press briefings on their announcements at the Consumer Electronics Show, which opens Jan. 7 — suggests Google is not going to talk about a new SDK. The early announcement also beats to the punch Apple’s Jan. 26 press event, where CEO Steve Jobs is expected to announce the “iSlate” — rumored to be an iPhone, Kindle and Mac laptop in one thin, large-format tablet.
“It looks like they are … planning to position against the iSlate,” said Rob Enderle, principal analyst with the Enderle Group. “They are apparently trying something unique. The problem for the platform model has been ownership of the customer and thus…