Google courts Verizon

Verizon Wireless and Google may be nearing an agreement that would place the Internet search engine in a prominent spot on the cellular operator`s phones, but speculation that Verizon is set to introduce a new breed of phones developed by Google is exaggerated, say people familiar with the matter, reports Business Week.

The companies have been speaking over the past year about a deal to feature a Google search box on Verizon`s mobile Web service.

The talks have heated up recently and could produce an announcement over the next few weeks, these sources say. However, major sticking points remain over financial terms and the specific branding and placement of the Google search engine.

It is full speed ahead for Sprint Nextel`s WiMax roll-out, according to the firm`s VP of technology development, Ali Tabassi, states Information Week.

Tabassi said the company is continuing its roll-out without interruption, in spite of the fact that Sprint recently lost its chief executive, who heavily promoted the wide area technology.

He pointed out that the WiMax deployment makes good sense because of price/performance advantages.

Sources say Google will announce a mobile operating system and likely some mobilised versions of popular applications, such as Google Maps, YouTube and Gmail, says eWeek.

Google is expected to announce software and services that will enable handset makers to bring new phones to market by the middle of next year, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The news, in which the Journal cited people familiar with the matter, is a variance from original reports claiming that Google wouldn`t shed light on its mobile plans until next year.