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Mike Elgan

The World Is My Office

Why the Dell/Google phone rumor is false

4 comments

TAGS:cell phone, Dell, Google, Rumor
IT TOPICS:Mobile & Wireless

SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. -- MarketingWeek reported today that Google and Dell plan to partner on a new cell phone handset. Here's why I don't believe their sources.

MarketingWeek was reportedly informed by "senior industry sources" that Google and Dell would announce at 3GSM World Congress 2008 in Barcelona next month their joint development of a new cell phone. I find this news hard to believe for the following reasons:

1. Google historically doesn't partner with companies on the co-development of hardware, per se.

2. If they did, Dell would be the wrong partner. Their PDAs flopped horribly in the market and they have no experience in the cell phone handset business.

3. Google is positioning itself as a cell phone platform and application vendor, with Android. As part of this positioning, it has aligned itself with the likes of HTC, LG, Motorola, Samsung and others. Competing with these partners wouldn't make sense for Google, especially since these companies are much more likely to offer successful handsets than Dell.

4. The most likely source of this news is that Dell may join the Open Handset Alliance and use the Android platform on its phones.

Fortunately, we'll learn the truth about this rumor next month.

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Dell/Google phone rumor is true

Submitted by cheap computers on September 2, 2009 - 1:10 A.M.

The most likely source of this news is that Dell may join the Open Handset Alliance and use the Android platform on its phones.

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Google does't partner with anyone on hardware?

Submitted by Lynrd on January 31, 2008 - 11:10 A.M.

Google and Dell already have a partnership in the form of the Google Search Appliance, which is built on Dell PowerEdge servers. That partnership has been very sucsessful on both sides.

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Google Phone

Submitted by Ginger on January 30, 2008 - 12:46 P.M.

One thing you have to keep in mind is that the under-30 market has a lot more loyalty to Google than possibly any other brand. Consequently, they will probably buy whatever Google makes, simply because they trust them. The "don't be evil" slogan has really worked in branding Google as a sort of anti-corporation for Generation, what are we on now, Y or Z?

Also, a lot of these young people are students, and Dell has really managed to capture a huge portion of the student market. Having a cheap, usable laptop produced by Dell might convince students (who often get Dell discounts, depending on their campus or bookstore agreements) to give their handsets a try.

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Historically

Submitted by Scott | AndroidGuys.com on January 30, 2008 - 12:27 P.M.

While I might be inclined to agree with you, I'd like to point this out: Google didn't historically get into the phone business at all at one point. As well, just because you flopped once on one project, you're not doomed eternally. Apple TV?

I'm going to link this article as an update to our post.

AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.

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