The reports suggesting that the nearly $13.5 billion Internet giant Google is finally developing a 'GPhone' are growing stronger in the foreign media and cyberspace.

They suggest the search engine has developed a prototype that will hit the markets in a year's time.

While such reports have been circulating for the past one year, suggesting that Google was working with mobile phone manufacturers to produce a handset, this time Google has not denied (neither has it confirmed) the reports.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Google had invested "hundreds of millions of dollars" in the project and was involved in discussions with T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless.

If Google does come out with the GPhone, it would follow close on the heels of Apple's iPhone. Much of the speculation has come from Google's annoucment in July that it was willing to spend $4.6 billion to buy wireless spectrum in a US Federal Communications Commission auction.

Ironically, Google recently partnered with Apple to produce services such as e-mail and maps for its iPhone handset. And Eric Schmidt, Google's chief executive, said recently that more Google services for the iPhone would be rolled out.

Google services are available on mobiles in the US and Europe. While you can view your photo albums on your mobile device, Google also enables you to check your Google calendar schedule from anywhere on your mobile device; search the web; read and compose emails and view attachments - all in an interface specifically designed for your mobile device; and stay informed of global and local events at all times by accessing top headlines and searching for articles.