Google eyes phone market

GOOGLE is understood to be developing its own internet- connected mobile phone.

One official has said the firm is "investigating" such a project, while spokeswoman Erin Fors would only say: "Mobile is an important area for Google.

Richard Windsor, an analyst with Nomura, said officials have mooted the plan.

"This is not going to be a high-end device but a mass market device aimed at bringing Google to users who don't have a PC," he said.