Leak Reveals Google's Much-Discussed Wireless Service Plans
The details about Google's secret project, "Project Fi," were leaked on April 13. The leak revealed Google's supposed wireless service plans, which have been discussed a lot in various forum sites and reports.
According to a report on Android Police, an app designed for Google's highly-anticipated mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) showed up in an unofficial Nexus 6 firmware image. The report says a "trusted source" confirmed the leak.
Digital Trends reports that the details of Project Fi come from an "unreleased over-the-air" update for Motorola's Nexus 6. This was, however, only meant for testers. According to the report, it contained an app named 'Tycho' which appears to act as a user -facing portal for Google's wireless service.
A report by TheVerge.com says that Tycho contained the usual options and settings expected from a carrier app. What set it apart was that the user could activate service with Google, request a new number or switch numbers as well. The report stated that it was like a "wireless data service turned into an app." The leak also suggested that Project Fi will offer free calls and texts within the U.S. and data will be charged on a per gigabyte basis.
The leak reveals that Google will be using the Sprint and T-Mobile networks in the role of a MVNO instead of building its own cell tower network. Subscribers will be able to pool data among devices and roll over the unused data.
One information, that many people in social media sites found interesting, was Google's supposed advertising approach with mobile phones subscribers. The report by Android Police states that a user's call history data will play an important part in ad targeting. There will supposedly be an "opt out" option, but the user's call history will be within Google's reach.
A recent rumor about NOVA stated that the Nexus 6 will bt the sole device on Google's MVNO. Speculation suggested that the Nexus 6 would be the only device Google offered to sell through the service. Android Police reports that the Nexus 6 might be the only handset customers can purchase on a payment plan.
The report states that the official conformation by Google could come by the end of May. It adds this could be announced during or after the Google I/O 2015.
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