Google Envisions Free Cell Phones For All

Salvance writes "Google's CEO Eric Schmidt envisions a day when all cell phones are free if the user agrees to watch targeted ads. While he provides no specific plans for Google to give away phones, the implication is that he expects such moves in the future given Google's current pilot successes with delivering text ads on phones." From the article: "Schmidt also said his company was working on how to allow users to maintain basic control of their personal data. Currently, Google stores consumer data on hundreds of thousands of its own computers in order to provide additional services to individual users. The company is looking to allow consumers to export their Web search history or e-mail archives and move them to other sites, if they so choose."

Re:When your only tool is a hammer

[joshier]

Are you saying... We are all nails living in a hammer world?? AHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Judging from my usualy phone calls...

[dartarrow]

..my 'targeted ad' would be for V1@GRA and 'how to ease your debt'

Text message adverts...

[walnutmon]

Honestly, I don't even like getting text messages from friends, unless it is a girl who is saying "I am on my way to give you BJ, need beer?"

I don't even watch TV anymore because commercials are so god damn annoying.

The last thing I want is some annoying bullshit ringing my phone while I am sleeping, roll over, cursing the fact that I haven't muted it, check out who sent me what...

"Best buy is having a sale on Kelly Clarkson: From church going babe, to cocksucking ho! And don't forget to watch 3LBS tonight, it's not exactly brain surgery... Actually it is!"

While "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" is playing in the background...

Jesus Christ, that is some evil shit.

Re:Comments

[clickclickdrone]

>Will there be a 911 and other emergy number exception?
Almost. You'll get a YouTube ad for clips of Police beating up suspects.

Re:When your only tool is a hammer

[FirienFirien]

It could be worse... it could just constantly be hammer time...

Talk about targeted

[ZoneGray]

Well, it should make for some interesting ad targeting.

Let's see, we'll just dial here... Nine One One... Send..... "ring, ring... Your call will be connected shortly. Did you know, Kidde fire extinguishers come with a full lifetime guarantee...."

ARRGGHHH!

Hmmm, try again. Let's call a Corvette dealer.... dial the number here.... "ring, ring.... Your call will be connected shortly. Did you know that you can order Viagra from the privacy and comfort of your home? Press 69* for more information."

Re:I'll be the first in line

[SleepyHappyDoc]

Now, if Google would give me a tzatziki chicken sub for viewing ads, I would definitely be interested.

Re:Call the Free???

[aplusjimages]

I can see it now. A consumer with a Google Phone sees a murder or robbery and dials 911. Instead of getting an emergency operator immediately, the consumer sits through a couple of ads for CSI. And depending on their location, they might get CSI: Miami, CSI: Las Vegas, or the CSI in New York. Hell even Heroes might come up with a tag line like, "Be your own hero."

Re:Call the Free???

[Meatloaf Surprise]

Actually, I hope ads play during a conversation. Say, call your friend and tell him to pick up a case of Pepsi, and all of the sudden you and your friend hear a chime and an ad for Pepsi starts streaming to both of your phones.

Or maybe the cellphones they're making have the same sensors as the Wii remote and all of the sudden a holographic ad appears in front of you to PUNCH THE MONKEY AND WIN A FREE IPOD

Re:When your only tool is a hammer

[alienmole]

Can't touch this!

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