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Ready for a Googlephone? Wait until Monday. A source in the wireless industry tells me that Google is already quietly briefing reporters, under embargo, on its mobile plans — and that an announcement could come as soon as next week. The first partner? T-Mobile. It makes perfect sense. In 2005, Google bought Android, a startup founded by Andy Rubin. Before Android, Rubin ran Danger Research, the designer of T-Mobile's Sidekick. But if you're all hopped up for a Google-designed piece of hardware, you'll be disappointed by the announcement, whenever it comes.

As we've said, there is no Googlephone. Instead of a phone as slick and streamlined as Google's search interface, instead we may see customized mobile versions of Google services like Gmail and YouTube — but those already exist. And instead of a free mobile operating system, you'll more likely see something like Google's OpenSocial initiative for social networks — a set of programming tools, in other words. (No comment forthcoming from Google and T-Mobile, naturally.)

Until third-party developers pick those tools up and start building applications, there won't be anything for gadget geeks to play with. And like most mashups, Web widgets, and Facebook apps, what we'll get at first will be rehashes of applications that already exist today. Google's wireless announcements may set the stage for interesting mobile apps years down the road — but get ready for whatever they announce next week to be a nonevent.