Apple's Latest Smartphone Competition: The New Google Phone

Google does not manufacturer its own smartphone. The closest thing to a Google-branded phone is the Nexus smartphone line. These devices, led by the flagship 6P model, runs Google's Android software but the hardware device is outsourced to other manufacturers. This may change very soon, at least according to a report from

The Telegraph, citing "sources familiar with the discussions" reported that Google and its parent company

is working on its own branded phone which will also launch its move into the hardware business. The publication added that its "senior source" suggested that a Google device could be released by the end of this year. By making its own phone, Google would have ultimate control over the entire smartphone chain from production, software, frequency of updates, apps, among others. "They are concerned that Android is fragmenting, that it needs to become a more controlled platform," Ben Wood, an analyst at CCS Insight told The Telegraph. "I think they'll seek to control it more, more like Apple." Will a Google phone prove to be the ultimate device worthy of the coveted "iPhone killer" status that many other manufacturers have tried to achieve? Assuming the report from The Telegraph is accurate then there is only one way to find out - waiting patiently.