LG announces Google partnership

LG has become the latest mobile phone manufacturer to partner with Google. The handset maker will begin to introduce new models that come pre-installed with Google applications such as Google Maps, Gmail and Blogger. There will also be one click access to Google's search site via an icon on the home menu. The phones, estimated to be 10 models, will ship throughout Asia, Europe and North America starting in the second quarter.
There is widespread speculation that Google itself is working on a mobile phone, but the search engine giant is only experienced with software and many analysts believe would be better off providing software for existing handsets.
Prior to todays LG news, Google had inked deals with other major mobile players like Motorola, Nokia and Samsung.