The rumors are building - it is likely that Google will release a G Phone where phone calls are free.
Digital Journal — According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, Google has created a prototype cellphone (GPhone?) and the company plans to give free subscriptions to consumers by bundling ads with its search engine, Web browser apps and Gmail.
Google is staying very quiet on this news, but the WSJ reports the prototype cell is currently being showed to manufacturers and network operators. Reports say Google is trying to learn how to improve tech specs to make the phone a better tool for Web browsing (iPhone anyone?).
Google has so far refused to deny the report, as rumours have started circulating all over the Internet. In a statement, the company said, "What our users and partners are telling us is that they want Google search and Google applications on mobile, and we are working hard every day to deliver that."
According to the report, Google also envisions a world where its phone service could one day be free to consumers, where subscriptions are subsidized by ad revenue.
This is what I now think the most value laden interface will look like. It's a "Well Curve" where the value is found on the two wings and the low value in the well. The Well Curve is the new shape of distribution. It's becoming a bi-model world. Cheap and cheerful or exotic and expensive. If you aim for the middle - watch out!
What does this mean?
It means that we are very close to the Big Disruption - where the business model of the artificially scarce commodity = value will die.
Newspapers know this already and the music industry is beginning to.
No longer will a phone call from home or on the cell on its own drive a cost to the user or a revenue stream to the pipe owner.
No longer will a TV or Radio station be able to hold a viewer to a time or a place.
No longer will an advertiser/underwriter be able to rely on a scheduled program delivering an audience
So where is the value?
It is in how well you can grow and hold a community. Google uses all its interlocking products to grow a community that is attractive to others.
In a world of infinite product - it's all a Long tail - so the value is in helping people find what they want. Apple is building a place (iTunes Store and the iPhone/Pod) where people can find what they want
In a world where all of us can create content - we want to find meaning and identity - Public TV and Radio can offer a Trusted Space where the public can interact with each other to achieve this.
If you want to die - then hold on to your "scarce" product for all your might.
