Google to enter market with its own smartphone and netbook

Google it seems is working along with a smartphone manufacturer to have a Google branded device out as early as this year, and make it available direct through retailers. Additionally, they are also working on a netbook running their upcoming Chrome OS in collaboration with computer manufacturer Quanta. Both the smartphone and the netbook are expected to use Qualcomm chips.

With Android, Google had brought the promise of a new era of mobile devices, with an open source operating system, and free reign to application developers. However Android phones are no less immune to the tactics of carriers, which are still free to restrict use of applications for VoIP and tethering.

While this does sound like a good move for those wanting more open devices, it might also have the effect of undermining the carriers and manufacturers who have till now been promoting, subsidizing and selling Android phones.

We are already beginning to see a taste of whats to come in the Android OS platform in the coming second version, and now Google seems to be heading towards an even bigger and more direct role in its own operating systems.