Gizmodo actually has a good point: Google would be protecting the brand from fragmentation, ensuring that the Android remains fully functional:

Sold without a carrier, [...]]]> Ohh that it were true! Thee are rumours about a new Google phone coming out in January for only $99, and although pure speculation it makes my mouth water in anticipation.

Gizmodo actually has a good point: Google would be protecting the brand from fragmentation, ensuring that the Android remains fully functional:

Sold without a carrier, software updates for the Nexus One will be in Google’s hands. They will be able to keep it up to date as Android develops, without having to depend on some other company—or companies—not to drop the ball.

The good part would be that, by creating a loss leader such as that, they will be generating a new generation of google users, with complete integration over the phone.

And, quoting reddit: “google just accidentally the whole cell phone industry.”