How To Split An Atom

Another holiday on this side of world (Labor Day) and as such today will be all about lists. To start us off, Om Malik has found some information about the Google OS.

Five Google OS “Facts”

• Google Phone is based on a mobile variant of Linux, and is able to run Java virtual machines.
• All applications that are supposed to run on the Google Phone are java apps. The OS has ability to run multimedia files, including video clips.
• The user interface is similar to a UI typical of mobile phones, and the image (with red background) floating around isn’t representative of the Google Phone UI. The entire UI is said to be done in Java and is very responsive. The UI, of course has a “search box.”
• There is a special browser which has pan-and-browse features that are common to modern browsers such as browsers for iPhone and Symbian phones. The entire browser is apparently written in Java.
• Initially there was one prototype, but over past few months Google has the mobile OS running on 3-to-5 devices, most of them likely made by HTC, a mobile phone maker, and all have Qwerty apps. The model that folks have seen is very similar to the T-Mobile Dash. Around 3GSM, there were rumors that Google, Orange and HTC were working together on mobile devices.

Google OS Speculation

None of these statements are true, but based on Google’s track record I believe they aren’t too far-fetched.

Integration. The Google OS could be the first step in Mountain View’s attempt to provide the first real interface layer between their suite of office-like applications and mobile devices. This is inline with the move towards larger, more readable screens as well as the general increase our efficiency with mobile typing.

Google Earth. Expect some form of Google Earth integration on GPS enabled phones soon after its release. Some application ideas are “Trip Planners,” “Route Managers,” and a series of other mashups based on Google Earth.

Java. Java versions of popular Google applications, including Google Reader and Blog Search? This is a little up in the air for me, but it seems like they would want some way let users access their Google feeds on the go.

Web 2.0 Roundup

There are dozens of other things Google could so with their OS. What are your thoughts? Do you think that this move is a part of a larger plan by Google to make a strong showing in the mobile space, or is it another “BETA” looking for a home?