Official Google Phone Confirmed For Early 2010?

Ever since Android was first vaunted, people have been asking for an official Google Phone; however the search giant has always said it was only taking the lead in software, not hardware.  Now, according to TechCrunch's sources, that's all going to change: they claim that an official, Google branded handset will drop in early 2010, with the company dictating every element of hardware and software to put together their own interpretation of today's smartphone.

Who's actually responsible for for hardware construction is still unconfirmed, though despite rumors of HTC involvement TechCrunch are saying it'll be a Korean firm that produces the Google Phone.  They're leaning toward LG, since rival Samsung produces several of the components in the iPhone, a deal could lead Apple to pressure them not to get involved with the Google handset.

According to the sources, Google had hoped to have their phone on the market by the 2009 holiday period, but that timescale has slipped.  However we should expect a "big push" in promotion and advertising in January 2010 in the run-up to launch.  No hardware or form-factor specifications are known as yet.