Image Courtesy of Apple

Google’s mobile phone interests took a step further when it announced that it intends offering early access to manufacturers of its Android operating system.

Next, Google wants to sell its mobile phones directly, bypassing the network operators. The idea, it seems, is to try to take on Apple, which Google perceives as its main rival.

What does this mean in the short term?

Well, despite Apple’s continued silence over whether the company intends offering a new iPhone 5 in the autumn, it is thought that Google wants to pre-empt this by offering the latest update of the Android platform, codenamed Jellybean, to manufacturers before the American festival of Thanks Giving, which takes place in November. This gives it time to get the phones out before Apple has got its own out on sale.

The assumption is that Apple may not release the new iPhone 5 before December. Google and its partners could then steal a march on its rival.

When asked about this story, Google management refused to confirm or deny it.

While on the surface this news looks useful for both Google and customers alike, experts also point out that the next lot of Android phones are likely to be more expensive, as they will be sold unlocked. This means that consumers would just need to insert a SIM card.

Will customers be prepared to do this rather than have the chance of getting a free phone on contract? This is possibly a big ask.