Google, T-Mobile bringing Android to home phones too

April 7, 2009 | Terrence Russell | Comments | |

One reason the tech industry got so excited over Android was its potential to evolve. While the open source software platform debuted on T-Mobile’s G1 mobile phone, the industry often speculates about its use on other devices. Now, a source within T-Mobile says Android is poised to become a home phone as early as 2010.

According to internal documents procured by the New York Times, T-Mobile and the Open Handset Alliance (which officially owns the Google-developed Android software) are working together on the device, which is whimsically referred to by some as the “Android Hub.” In addition to offering traditional phone service (ala Verizon’s Hub), the phone will run on Android’s operating system and utilize applications to supply rich internet features — including weather status and RSS feeds.

In terms of architecture, the document describes the phone as sporting a seven-inch touchscreen, along with a base station that handles data synchronization and recharging for the handset.

Even though Google built Android for use with multiple devices, the New York Times suggests the Android Hub is part of a T-Mobile initiative to connect every device in the home:

T-Mobile shares in this grand vision of more sophisticated devices in the home. For instance, its line of Cameo digital picture frames can receive new photos sent via e-mail or from cellphones. T-Mobile would like to link phones, photo frames, digital cameras, security systems, webcams and TVs through its software and networking services.

I’m just ask excited as the next geek about the possibilities of the mythical ‘connected home,’ in which a number of web-enabled household devices share information. But even with the announcement of Android finally popping up in household devices, I think it will be a long time before consumers will feel comfortable with the idea of Google-backed software and applications controlling their security systems. Call me crazy, but for every technological advance the company makes, a privacy concern and boycott seems to be right around the corner.

[Photo courtesy of Phandroid]

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About the Author, Terrence Russell

Terrence writes about online video and digital media licensing for Venture Beat. When he isn't binging on the newest television series to hit the web, Terrence contributes to WIRED Magazine and Wired.com.

  • Wow, that's what we call.. connection anytime anywhere.
  • nice one
  • rcaus
    I think the author got this wrong - Andiod is not Google software. While initially developed and sponsered by Google it's now developed through the Open Handset Alliance. It's an open software platform for mobile devices that can be Google centric if you like (that is you can use Google software designed for the platform) or non-Google centric in which you use the platform to develop other applications/services.


    "But even with the announcement of Android finally popping up in household devices, I think it will be a long time before consumers will feel comfortable having Google software controlling their security systems. Call me crazy, but for every technological advance the company makes, a privacy concern and boycott seems to be right around the corner."
  • TerrenceRussell
    Rcaus,

    Where Google's involvement in Android ends and OHA's begins is arguably a little murky, but you are formally correct. Although Google apps are currently the most plentiful, manufacturers like Samsung have voiced the desire to downplay Google's involvement in upcoming handsets. I'll update the post to make a clear delineation between the two.

    However, I still think it's valid to highlight the issue of privacy/security in the matter. Google's penchant for collecting user data is well documented, and if manufacturers are wanting to roll out Android across a number of web-enabled household devices then it's still a legitimate concern.
  • rcaus
    Terrence,

    Agreed on the privacy front. It's a valid point going forward. They've (Google) kind of had the attitude of what's yours in mine too when it comes to data. Not sure if that makes them less trustworthy than other vendors in the household platform space or not. Others have their own baggage (i.e. Microsoft and security). Might be worth a follow up article :). OK - so you're not as crazy as I thought. Thanks for the follow up!