Google Switch phone real, to work on most carriers?

Google's heavily rumored Switch phone could break the mold of phone service in the US, according to a source speaking with venture capitalist Simeon Simeonov. Claiming that the alleged phone is real based on both the source and recent Google buyouts, Simeonov says that the web developer has found a way to get normally hostile carriers to allow the Switch to be sold for multiple US cell providers. Instead of forging exclusive deals, Google would take on the burden of marketing its device. The networks would only have to fulfill the orders, the financier said.

The mystery contact also provided software-level technical information about the coming phone, saying that it would use a Flash-like interface with Java apps as its focus. This would let it run many mobile apps without much effort and should include voice over IP, the source reports.

Although no photos were attached to the leak, the physical design of the Switch is said to be "Blackberry-like" and streamlined, possibly contradicting notions that it would feature a completely touchscreen-based interface as with the iPhone. A release date hasn't been verified but will likely be months ahead given the need for FCC approval ahead of an official launch. [via CNET]