Gphone and Hannah Montana

Surprise. Google is developing a free cell phone software package so users can more easily reach the ubiquitous search engine and its many services. Rumors have been everywhere for the past few months.

According to MSNBC.com:

Google will not be making the phones, nor does it plan to stamp its prized
brand on the devices. Instead, it will work with four cell phone manufacturers
who have agreed to use Google's programs in their handsets. Consumers will have
to buy a new phone to get the Google software because the bundle was not made
for existing handsets.

Because Google's software will be free, it could undercut rivals who charge
handset makers to install their operating systems. It also promises to make
smart phones less expensive since manufacturers won't have to pay for
software.

Google's system will also be based on computer code that can be openly
distributed among programmers. That, Google hopes, will encourage developers to
create new applications and other software improvements that could spawn new
uses for smart phones.

So far, Motorola Inc., Samsung Electronics Co., HTC and LG Electronics Inc.
have agreed to use Google's software in some of their phones. Both Motorola and
Samsung already buy Microsoft's Windows Mobile in some of their phones.

The list of wireless carriers that have agreed to provide service for
the Google-powered phone in the United States include Sprint Nextel Corp. and
Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile in the United States. China Mobile, Telefonica in
Spain and Telecom Italia are among the carriers that have signed on to provide
service outside the United States.

Don't expect to see this app on phones until next year.

But is that bigger news - at least in Houston - to this announcement today from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Hannah Montana is coming to the 2008 Rodeo!!! Imagine how thrilled I would be if I had little girls to go but I'm sure almost every other parent is jockeying to snap up tickets for the March 9 show.