Today’s Wall Street Journal is predicting a Google Phone [gPhone] in our future and they gave a potential target date of mid-2008. As previously reported, Google has in fact met with several manufacturers and is developing open software for the new phones. By using open software, developers will be able to easily develop software to make the new phone jump through hoops. Also anticipated is the incorporation of Google search, Google App, Google Maps and other Google applications to make the new phone a ‘gee-whiz’ or ‘WOW’ phone.

The article goes on to state:

Google Inc. is close to unveiling its long-planned strategy to shake up the wireless market, people familiar with the matter say. The Web giant’s ambitious goal: to make applications and services as accessible on cellphones as they are on the Internet.

In a move likely to kick off an intense debate about the future shape of the cellphone industry, Google wants to make it easier for cellphone customers to get a variety of extra services on their phones — from maps to social-networking features to video-sharing. To get its way, however, the search giant will have to overcome resistance from wireless carriers and deal with potentially thorny security and privacy issues.

Within the next two weeks, Google is expected to announce advanced software and services that would allow handset makers to bring Google-powered phones to market by the middle of next year, people familiar with the situation say. In recent months Google has approached several U.S. and foreign handset manufacturers about the idea of building phones tailored to Google software, with Taiwan’s HTC Corp. and South Korea’s LG Electronics Inc. mentioned in the industry as potential contenders. Google is also seeking partnerships with wireless operators.

After months and months of rumors, it looks like this may be for real after all. Go Google!

Complete story is here.

Comments welcome.

[tags]google, gphone, wireless, applications, search, maps, [/tags]