I'm still guessing that this is just another developer device, like the Android Dev Phone 1 and Android Dev Phone 2: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_Dev_Ph

I'm still guessing that this is just another developer device, like the Android Dev Phone 1 and Android Dev Phone 2: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_Dev_Phone http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_Dev_Phone Just like the current mystery device, both of those handsets: - are made by HTC, - are unlocked GSM handsets, - are sold directly to individuals by Google, - and have been given out to Google employees at all-hands meetings. And Google was directly involved in the design of the HTC Dream (T-Mobile G1 / Android Dev Phone 1). For example, they pushed for the debut Android phone to have a five-row keyboard: http://news.cnet.com/8301-30684_3-10387677-265.html http://news.cnet.com/8301-30684_3-10387677-265.html So none of the concrete facts here (even the rumored ones) are unprecedented. I don't see how Google selling a yet another unlocked handset is a big deal. It certainly won't have a noticeable impact on the US market, competing with subsidized hardware sold by carriers. Just like the ADP1 (T-Mobile G1) and ADP2 (T-Mobile myTouch 3G), carriers will probably have locked version of the exact same phone but at subsidized prices. The ADP is nice for some techies, but for most mainstream US consumers it doesn't make sense to pay for an unlocked phone.