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Google files to test "next-gen personal communication device"

Google files to test "next-gen personal communication device"

Posted: 11 Feb 2012, 20:23, by Michael H.

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Gather round everyone, because it is time for some blind speculation! An FCC filing has come out which shows that Google is planning to test a new "next-gen personal communication device" on its Mountain View campus and around the country. There is almost no information as to what the device could be, but that just means we get to speculate wildly as to what it could be.

The only information on the filing is that the device includes both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. The filing says the testing period is from January 15th to July 15th of this year, and that Google wants to test 102 units across the US. The device is listed as being just a prototype, although it is listed as having been manufactured by Google itself.

We have no idea what the device could be, although there have already been some guesses from the blogosphere. Some say it's a possibility that it could be the HUD glasses that Google has been rumored to be building, although as it has been explained, that isn't exactly a "communication device", but more of an augmented reality/discovery device. It is also possible that it has something to do with Android@Home, but there isn't really much need for another communication device that would be locked onto a home network.

So, time for wild guessing! What do you guys think this mystery "next-gen personal communication device" could be?

source: FCC via SlashGear

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1. squallz506 posted on 11 Feb 2012, 21:27 2 1

i wonder if this is the google stereo system...

it is lacking a cellular connection after all. or maybe google is making an android media player...

17. ZEUS.the.thunder.god posted on 12 Feb 2012, 08:15 1 0

how about google-X

18. theindianguy posted on 12 Feb 2012, 08:52 5 0

i think it's gonna be the nexus tablet.

19. MichaelHeller posted on 12 Feb 2012, 14:13 2 0

That's the first guess I can get behind! The Nexus Tablet would make sense.

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20. MichaelHeller posted on 12 Feb 2012, 14:14 1 0

That's a lab not a product.

21. MichaelHeller posted on 12 Feb 2012, 14:14 0 0

That's not a communication device

2. itiswhatitis posted on 11 Feb 2012, 21:28 3 0

out of guess right now........wow us google!!

9. Droid_X_Doug posted on 11 Feb 2012, 21:55 14 1

One thing is for sure, Apple will claim that Google's new widget violates one of their patents....

10. squallz506 posted on 11 Feb 2012, 21:59 1 0

true dat. and points for using the original definition of widget: "an unnamed article considered for purposes of hypothetical example".

3. imkyle posted on 11 Feb 2012, 21:31 5 2

Please no 3D products.

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4. warrenellis93 posted on 11 Feb 2012, 21:37 1 11

phonearena is so late.... this story was on engadget a few days ago

5. remixfa posted on 11 Feb 2012, 21:37 5 1

3d stereoscopic glasses free hologram cellphones!

6. protozeloz posted on 11 Feb 2012, 21:41 4 0

I think is Android at home. It's supposed to be a medium between home appliances and your Android devices . It's unbelievable I found a magazine of 2000 with fridges that could tell what food is missing or running low washing machines that can control their own detergent and ovens that can sense when food is ready yet none have materialized as we wish they did

7. protozeloz posted on 11 Feb 2012, 21:47 3 0

Also I think is no coincidence that the time goes around the time for the IO this could be the most exiting IO ever made if all rumors become true

8. biophone posted on 11 Feb 2012, 21:51 1 1

That stuff would be way to expensive and unnecessary. I think this has something to do with majel and some sort of communication aspects of it which is going to be better then siri? This is my realistic guess :).

14. Droid_X_Doug posted on 12 Feb 2012, 00:28 1 0

My guess would be Majel + Android (ICS?) as the brains/intelligence of a WiFi/Bluetooth hub of some sort that can drive similar Majel-compatible client devices. For example, Majel could turn on a Majel-compatible coffee maker at the requested time.

If I am right, you heard it on PA first. Although what I just described may be what protozeloz is describing above.

15. biophone posted on 12 Feb 2012, 01:28 0 0

Thats not going to happen way to unrealistic. Majel being able to change a television channel would be more realistic.

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16. Droid_X_Doug posted on 12 Feb 2012, 01:51 1 0

Google has a bit of a reputation for pushing the bar up.... Don't be surprised if something like what I described is shown.

It may be too ambitious; then again, it might be spot on.... Michael did invite us to speculate if memory serves.

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25. protozeloz posted on 12 Feb 2012, 14:53 0 0

I think the best chance to show Majel off would be the IO maybe is a bit more advanced

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11. squallz506 posted on 11 Feb 2012, 22:03 2 0

i surely do not want my fridge oven and washing machine to conspire against me.

squallz506-"unlock the fridge IRIS, i promise it will be my last beer"
IRIS-"im sorry, squallz506 i cannot do that"
squallz506-"what? why?"
IRIS-"i think you know why squallz506"