“Google Phone”: It’s called Nexus One, It’s not built by Google and only for G-staff (for now). [Updated]

So Google has written a blog post confirming a Google Phone is in existence. Before you get too excited though, read it:

At Google, we are constantly experimenting with new products and technologies, and often ask employees to test these products for quick feedback and suggestions for improvements in a process we call dogfooding (from “eating your own dogfood”). Well this holiday season, we are taking dogfooding to a new level.

We recently came up with the concept of a mobile lab, which is a device that combines innovative hardware from a partner with software that runs on Android to experiment with new mobile features and capabilities, and we shared this device with Google employees across the globe. This means they get to test out a new technology and help improve it.

Unfortunately, because dogfooding is a process exclusively for Google employees, we cannot share specific product details. We hope to share more after our dogfood diet.

You should have noticed the device is not built by Google but by a partner – reportedly HTC – who build a number of devices for a number of manufacturers.

If there’s one source absolutely convinced that this “dog food” is in fact the future “Google Phone”, it’s TechCrunch. The blog are certain that its sources are correct and Google will release a branded Google phone soon. While this may be the case, I’m leaning towards a point Mashable have discussed.

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The device sounds like the HTC Passion, which is scheduled for an early 2010 launch. If it is the HTC Passion but Google branded, does it still make it a Google Phone? Is it a “Google Phone” if it has the Google branding (which we don’t know yet) but identical to a number of other phones out there? I’d argue yes, but lets be blunt about it, it’s no iPhone.

Update 1

We’re hearing reports the phone will actually be called the Nexus One.

Update 2:

Wall Street Journal are reporting that Google will be selling the phone themselves online rather than via a reseller or wireless carrier. This should mean that the phone will be unlocked.

Photo Credit: The Unlockr