Google Phone Confirmed [Information Released On Google-Branded Handset]

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Rumors about Google making their own attempt at phone hardware has been around since the time of the iPhone orginal release in 2007. Most assumed Google’s Android mobile OS was what became of those rumors, although, last month, rumors and more rumors began resurfacing about a Google-branded handset, and turns out, they’re true.

Google has confirmed that it is ‘dogfood’ testing a new Android device, one sporting a Google logo and purportedly “the Google Phone” by giving samples to Google employees around the world. Reaction on Twitter from the Google employees has been positive. The phone runs on a Snapdragon chip, and reactions from people who have used one are that it’s “really, really fast”.

The handset is being designed by HTC, and is based on the HTC Passion (pictured above). According to TechCrunch, Google dictated the design of the phone at every level and the phone will represent ‘the way an Android phone should be’. Google will be selling the Google Phone (it’s real name) as an unlocked GSM phone, instead of dealing with pesky telcoms or exclusivity plans. The phone is set to be released in January 2010. No information on pricing was released, but being sold unlocked without a subsidy, expect to pay big for the Google Phone.