According to rumors doing the rounds, Google is expected to announce a mobile operating system within the next two weeks.

It is also learnt that the search giant is in serious talks with Verizon Wireless, the second largest mobile carrier in the US, to build Google-powered phones.

The applications/programs that will run on these phones include: Google Maps, YouTube, and Gmail.

More over Google has approached several other handset manufacturers, including Taiwan-based HTC and South Korea-based LG Electronics that are looked upon as potential contenders.

Possibly, Google will be coming up with new software and services tailored to work on Google-powered handsets by June 2008.

Basically, the idea behind seems to be to make an open mobile operating system that would allow independent software developers to access tools to create more applications.

There is a possibility that this might also result in lowering of handset rates, as Google is expected to charge lesser for the licensing of the operating system and applications, as compared to current industry standards.