14 DAY TRIAL // Wireless carrier Verizon is already known to plan on launching a series of mobile phones based on Google's Android operating system, and a new rumor regarding one of these devices has recently emerged into the wild. According to it, the mobile phone operator will launch one Android handset that will come with MiFi capabilities.
What MiFi on a mobile phone means is the possibility for the handset to be used as a 3G router. Basically, the MiFi acts like a personal hot-spot that enables a user to connect more than one device to a 3G connection. In case the rumors prove true, it would mean that Big Red's customers will be able at one point to share the connectivity of their Android phone with five other devices.
There have been a lot of rumors regarding Verizon's upcoming Android handsets (which are still unannounced, although we all know they are there), including the fact that Big Red will deliver to the market two Motorola phones and one coming from HTC (possibly the Desire, though some voices suggested Sprint's Hero too), yet this rumor seems to be the most colorful of all.
However, in case it pans out, users would be able to connect a laptop, netbook or mobile phone to Verizon Wireless' 3G network through their Android-based mobile phone, which should work like a Wi-Fi hotspot. The handset is expected to be introduced / accepted through Verizon's Open Development Program, which we already know to have approved a series of other devices.
According to the rumor, the Android smartphone with MiFi-like functionality is expected to make an appearance with Verizon sometime in early 2010. Devices with MiFi capabilities are already available for purchase in the US, and Verizon also sells one, yet it is rather hard to believe that it would launch a smartphone with this feature. However, everything is possible, so stay tuned for more updates on this.