Now that we've seen the dust settle around Google's entry into the mobile phone business, what are the real takeaways and impacts of the move - particularly for traditional mobile operators?
1) Decoupling phones and carriers.
2) The "Find-Stuff-Phone" -- Android phones are built from the ground up for searching the Web, navigating maps and directions, finding local businesses - all search-driven functions that Google has taken great pains to (a) own and (b) be able to offer for free while monetizing with advertising.
3) Monetizing Voice -- voice service becomes just another data object on tomorrow's IP-driven wireless architectures.
4) Customer Service Quagmire -- Customers buying hardware and service contracts need more hand-holding.
