Rumor Alert: Google Phone To Be Released Early 2010

We’re whipping out the old rumor alert on this next one, folks. Michael Arrington, founder of the TechCrunch blog, has posted some information today claiming that the rumored Google branded smartphone we’ve all been hearing about is actually real.

From what we know, the new phone may be manufactured by either HTC, LG, or Samsung (see, we gave you the rumor alert!), but will be completely Google branded. A similar process was carried out by Microsoft, who self-branded their first Zune device, when in actuality it was manufactured by Toshiba.

At any rate, the device was expected to be released in late 2009, however delays have now pushed that to January 2010.

Unfortunately, we currently have no information as to how the device looks like, how big it will be, or if it’s purely touch screen or not (image is a concept design made by a third-party, it is not official). Additionally, we’re hearing that the device is under complete control by Google — meaning no third-party manufacturer gets their way with this one.

But it all seems to contradict what VP of Android at Google stated not too long ago in an interview. “We’re not making hardware,” said Andy Rubin.

Could Rubin simply have been dodging the question? Surely, Android will not be making any hardware, the one of the specified manufactures above will.

It’s all very strange — and you know we’ll keep following this.

[ image courtesy: PC World ]