Google Going Head-to-Head Against Apple/iPhone With Its Own Smartphone - Report

Google is reportedly planning to release its own smartphone this year, in a move that would position the company directly against Apple and the iPhone.

Citing sources, The Telegraph reports that Google is "in discussions with mobile operators about releasing a Google-branded phone that will extend the company's move into hardware."

Google is already involved with smartphones, of course, as the company runs the Android operating system. According to GameSpot sister site CNET, Android powers 80 percent of smartphones in the world right now. Some of its hardware partners include LG and Samsung.

Additionally, it's reported that Google would continue to work with other companies for smartphones under its Nexus brand. The new phone would be the first from Google, however, not made in direct collaboration with Android phone companies such as LG, HTC, and Huawei.

This rumored new effort, which Googled declined to comment on, would also be separate from the company's Project Ara modular smartphone project that will debut in 2017.

Would you be interested in a Google-developed smartphone? Let us know in the comments below!