Clue 1 – The Open Handset Alliance

While everything you will see in this article is purely speculative, there’s a pretty clear line drawn here, I think. When the Open Handset Alliance was formed, four device manufacturers threw their hats in with Google, amongst the 34 companies that were the OHA’s “Founding Fathers”. Those companies were HTC, Samsung, Motorola, and LG. Now, of these four companies, LG is the only company who has not released either a “Nexus” device, or been the first to market with a new version of Android. HTC and Samsung both have Nexus devices, and Motorola has been first to the market with a new version of Android, not once, but twice with the original Droid and the Xoom. Additionally, LG has only recently started making competitive high-end handsets, as anyone who has touched a G2X will confirm.

Now also part of the OHA founding fathers is nVidia, who has not sat idly as Qualcomm soaked up the adulation of Android fans the world over. Their Tegra line provide the dual core capabilities that Android fans crave, and toss in high quality graphics without the high power consumption to boot.

Given all the attention Google has NOT given LG and nVidia, and considering the impressive displays both companies have made recently, it’s not hard to imagine Google giving both companies a shot at their handset.

Clue 2 – nVidia and LG are already partners

If my first attempt to address the possibility wasn’t enough, consider that LG and nVidia are already working together on devices such as the G-Slate tablet for T-Mobile. The success of either the G-Slate or the G2X would ensure that nVidia and LG would be in business in the future, and LG’s internal development team will already have a unique relationship with nVidia’s products. If Google were to call on these two companies for a device, their existing relationship would make the steps from concept to product go much faster.

Clue 3 – nVidia’s roadmap fits the schedule

Everybody knows that nVidia is planning the Tegra 3 processors, expected to be a quad core offering at the high-end of the spec and a dual core at the more power conservative end of the spec. If a Nexus device is announced in December, then it’s likely it would be on the shelves by late January or early February. According to LG’s own roadmap, samples of the Tegra 3 will be available to some companies late this fall, with an expected release for production in late Q4 2011. The Tegra 2 was scheduled for a Fall 2010 release, and the first handset, the Atrix, was available this February. nVidia’s own production schedule matched the time needed to produce and prepare the technology for use.

Based on the information that’s out there, and the schedule of events, I would not at all be surprised if Taylor is spot on with this tip. I think it’s very likely that Google’s next Nexus device, maybe even their next Dev phone, ends up being an LG phone with nVidia’s Tegra 3 chipset. Would you buy an “LG Nexus T3″?

Last week, LG accidentally leaked pictures of their new Viewty Smart (GC 900) phone on their German blog.  The phone is an upgrade to the original Viewty and we think it would be a perfect fit for Android.  Notable features of the original Viewty included a Schneider lens and was capable of capturing video at 120 frames a second.  Updated features of the new phone include:

• 12.4mm thickness
• Weight of only 90g
• 8-megapixel camera with Xenon flash
• 32GB storage space
• Video recording at up to 720×480 pixels resolution
• 3in touch screen WVGA display
• GPS, WiFi, HSDPA connectivity

The leaked images include an Orange carrier logo who is rumored to be releasing multiple Android handsets in 2009.  Right now, it looks like the phone will be released to the UK in June so it is unlikely that Android would be used.  However, we could see a refreshed device on another carrier later this year.  The Viewty Smart supports HSDPA connectivity which is also used around the world by OHA carriers T-Mobile, Vodafone, and NTT DoCoMo.

Check out this video of the original Viewty to learn more about the features included.

I really wish the G1 had a better camera and the Viewty gives me hope for my next phone purchase.  If LG ever releases an Android phone in the US, I think Sprint would be the most likely carrier.  AT&T and Verizon both have exclusive LG phones, but I doubt we will see any Android devices from them soon.

Has anyone out there owned a newer LG phone and been happy with it?  I had one of their sliders with Sprint, but I cracked the screen before I used it much.  I would really like to see LG release an Android device because they make so many other quality consumer electronics.  My washer and dryer are LG brand and I can imagine how cool it would be to check the status of a load from my phone.

LG, where are the Android announcements?

Back in 2007, Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam said it made sense to get behind Android. “We’re planning on using Android,” McAdam told BusinessWeek. “Android is an enabler of what we do.”  Since then, Verizon has shown a fear of Google’s intentions and been reluctant to jump on the Android bandwagon.  Without a killer consumer smartphone, they may soon be forced into submission in order to compete with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint.

Network

Verizon’s network runs on the same CDMA technology as Sprint.  If manufacturers like Samsung are already making Android devices for CDMA, it would be easy to bring them over to Verizon.  Starting in late 2009, Verizon will begin to roll out its 4G networking which uses Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology.

LTE has become a global standard and many of the OHA members are working with the technology including Motorola, Ericson, LG, and NTT docomo.  It would make sense if a manufacturer like Motorola or Fujitsu releases a LTE device that it would find its way to Verizon.

Verizon claims to have the nation's largest 3G network.

Data Plans

The minute plans offered by Verizon Wireless are comparable to T-Mobile and Sprint.  However, their data and text options appear to be more expensive than the rest.  Verizon does not offer an unlimited text plan, but does have several tiers to choose from:

• $5/month – 250 messages
• $10/month – 500 messages PLUS unlimited in network texting
• $15/month – 1500 messages PLUS unlimited in networking texting
• $20/month – 5000 messages PLUS unlimited in networking texting

For data plans we have two options:

• $29.99/month – Email and web for smartphone
• $44.99/month – Unlimited data usage

I’m not sure of the differences in the data plans, but even the cheapest data plan and 500 messages is more than T-Mobile or Sprint.  Hopefully we will see new packaged deals that are more competitive with the competition.

Update from reader Steve:  “The first (lesser) of the two is the basic plan required to use any phone that sends pix/flix messages and uses e-mail (including Blackberry). The unlimited data plan is for corporate users who require a constant connection for a smartphone. For example, one who uses an Exchange server with direct push, would need an unlimited data plan.”

Possible Phones

There are many possible hardware partners for Verizon but the most likely are HTC, LG, Samsung, Motorola, and Acer.  We know Samsung is making a CDMA phone for Sprint and I believe they are most likely to release a phone for Verizon first.  HTC is currently making GSM/Edge phones for Android and a CDMA phone is most likely a long shot at this time.  LG and Motorola have not revealed their Android phones, but more details should be leaking over the next few months.

Acer announced a new smartphone lineup at the recent Mobile World Congress and is experimenting with Android on desktop PCs.  They also hinted at a netbook coming to Verizon, but it is unlikely to run Android.  Acer CEO Gianfranco Lanci said, “For a Netbook, you really need to be able to view a full Web for the total Internet experience,” Wong said. “And Android is not that yet.”

New Acer F900 phone running Windows Mobile, but Android is on the way.

Release Date/Conclusion

With their recent acquisition of Alltel Wireless, Verizon solidified their position as the largest United States wireless carrier.  Since they are number one in subscribers, they are taking a wait and see approach with Android.  T-Mobile took a gamble on Android hoping to gain market share and it looks like their decision is paying off.  Unless Verizon tries to beat Sprint to the punch, I would not expect any Android devices from them until 2010.

If you are a current Verizon subscribers, what are your thoughts about Android coming to your carrier?  Are you content to wait another year?  Would you purchase an Android netbook from Verizon?

Can you hear us now? We want Android.