The GPhone news: Rumor or Reality ?

Today, Rediff reported a rumor that surprised me a lot, as it did Techcrunch and a lot of other bloggers.  Rediff reports that a much awaited “Gphone is here”, that too in just 2 weeks time.

I am not sure why Rediff published this without doing much of research. Can Rediff elaborate on sources who supplied with the news that Gphone is arriving in 2 weeks !

Here is an excerpt from their news:

Google, the nearly $13.5 billion search engine major, is believed to be a fortnight away from the worldwide launch of its much-awaited Google Phone (Gphone) and has started talks with service providers in India for an exclusive launch on one of their networks.

Talks are believed to be taking place with Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Essar, respectively India’s first and third largest mobile telephony operators, and state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam.

Sources close to the development said a simultaneous launch across the US and Europe is expected, and announcements would be sent to media firms in India and other parts of the world. US regulatory approval, which is expected soon, is the only hurdle that Google is waiting to cross, they added. Google plans to invest $7-8 billion for its global telephony foray.

If the news is true, – I see one in million chances – I’d be impressed with Rediff sources. It is just a fortnight and we will see if Gphone arrives.

Anyone wants to bet ?

Engadget had published a picture of GPhone in january 07. I am not sure about the authenticity of this picture, however, here it is for your viewing pleasure.

 

Update: Business Standard too seems to have reported this. It is exactly the same news and same authors as shown on Rediff.