Searching for clues on Google phone

Web sites across the planet are twittering and gasping, spotting signs that Google is proceeding with plans to unveil a Google Phone.

Google has tossed its mobile applications into cell phones and portable devices for a while now, but this will be the first time that the search engine giant will have a self-branded handset preloaded with all sorts of Google goodies, according to the tech buzz.

A Web site that claims to have some inside scoop (at http://www.htlounge.net/ tag/1/Insider) reports that HTC, a design firm, has submitted 20 designs for the phone to Google. No word is given for when the first phone will be released.

The new phone, says the Web site, will come with a custom version of Google Maps (internal GPS), Google Talk with VoIP (integrated WiFi), Gmail, and Google Calendar.

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Hip and connected or what?

Did AT&T really hire a marketing firm to cook up its latest effort to reach young mobile users? After AT&T acquired Cingular last year, the large wireless provider looked long and hard for ways to connect with the under-20 crowd. In the next month it will release a teen-oriented feature that lets consumers build their own “digital personality” by swirling together colors representing their online activities. They can then post their unique color on social networking profiles, blogs and other personalized sites.

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Do u txt n driv? Survey says yes

The majority of young U.S. drivers admit they chat on their cell phones and text message while driving — and almost half of them see no reason to stop.

A survey by the Zogby International polling firm found 66 percent of U.S. drivers aged 18 to 24 send text messages while driving and 93 percent talk on their cell phone behind the wheel.

The same survey found 83 percent of all Americans favor some laws to make that activity illegal. The survey didn’t ask cell phone companies their opinion; text messaging and phone calls are their bread and margarine.