Thursday, 29 March 2007

LG- Google Handsets on the Way

LG Electronics announced on Wednesday that it has reached an agreement with Google to bundle its mobile phones with the internet search giants’ mobile apps.

Online services such as Gmail- the company’s web based e-mail provider- Google Maps, an application that allows users to view maps, get their directions right and view satellite images and Blogger Mobile, which will enable bloggers to update text and pictures in their blogs directly from their mobile phones will be available in LG mobiles by the end of April 2007.

"LG's mobile devices, combined with Google will provide consumers with easy access to their favorite Internet services even without a PC and make it easy for them to stay connected while in motion," Paul Bae, vice president of product planning at LG Electronics Mobile Communications Co. said in a statement.

The Google service can be accessed in just “one click” via the icon in the application menu found on the phones.

The world’s fifth largest handset maker has plans to release 10 models of the Google-equipped phones and make it available in Europe, Asia and North America.

Interestingly, both companies have announced that they will jointly market the LG-Google handsets.

"Were pleased to work with LG to make it easier than ever for mobile internet users to have powerful applications and personalized information at their fingertips," Deep Nishar, Google's director of product management, said in the release.

Last month saw Microsoft teaming up with Hewlett Packard, Toshiba and LG to build handsets that would run on its Windows Mobile platform.

Yahoo executed a similar deal as Google with Samsung, LG, Nokia, Motorola and RIM to pre-install its Yahoo services on their mobile phones.

This growing trend is evidence that mobile makers are starting to realize the consumer appeal of popular online services such as email and Instant Messaging (IM) and how it can fuel sales.