Google patents a game changing plan on mobile usage

I got to lift my hat for Google, and looks like I’m gonna do that more often in near future. Google has been pioneering new and great services over the past few years, and its latest Android handset; the T-Mobile’s G1 is just the beginning of what Google is about to offer next.

We’re all puzzled by what was Google agenda on bidding the expensive “white spectrum” in U. S. soil (the 700MHz band)? And now, things are getting more clearer, as one by one Google’s plans have been revealed.

In March 2007, Google has filed a patent for an application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. That particular application, if installed into mobile phones, can find the best wireless connections for your need. Includes WiFi, aside from the obvious mobile wireless networks we already familiar with. A good example given by Nancy Gohring from PCW Business Center article:

”In one scenario described in the application, a user might have a device that is configured to use the least expensive option for connectivity at all times. When at home, the device would attach to the user's Wi-Fi network. Outside, it would switch to the cellular network.

But once outside, the device could periodically search for other available service providers, asking the service providers to bid for the chance to offer service to the customer. The device could automatically switch to the network that has the best price without interrupting a user's voice call or data connection.”

It sounds so sweet for end users, and mobile consumers. Like what Rick C. Hodgin from TG Daily has said in his article: “Using this new method wouldn't require any changes. It would still be possible to continue using a wireless devices pretty much as is done today. In such a case, a user would setup some automatic selection critera which would engage an automatic selection algorithm.”

But it will not the same case and taste for wireless network operators, as what Nancy Gohring again pointed out to the right spot: “If Google were to try to implement such a system, mobile operators might not be interested in joining it. Operators typically try to lock customers into using only their networks, as a way to receive guaranteed regular revenue from customers. Google's plan would make it easy for end users to transfer their calls and revenue stream to other operators that might be able to offer them a better price or service.”

On the other hand, Google has its own reason and argument on keep on making this application to be implemented into mobile phones (Android platform to be precise): “Because the user controls the device, the user receives greater flexibility in deciding what applications they need or want. In addition, such generalizing of the communication channel permits more open development of devices and applications to be run on devices, because the transmissions are standardized, and any device that can format communications according to the standard will work."

Alright, all the sweet talks have made mine & yours mouth full of drool. So when can we see the application? Can we expect it to be alive in the next Android handsets? I’m afraid the answer is still vague, Google said in a statement: "We file patent applications on a variety of ideas that our employees come up with. Some of those ideas later mature into real products or services, some don't. Prospective product announcements should not necessarily be inferred from our patent applications.”

Or in other word is what Rick C. Hodgin mentioned too about this: "Bid before you use" is the model Google has patented.

[blogged with my Treo 750v]