Google is announcing new over the air updates to Google Nexus One phones (aka gPhone).   Engadget is reporting that Google is also providing multitouch capability – a much sought after feature of the iPhone and now tablets – iPad.  I’ve blogged about the 5 reasons why I think the iPad will be successful here.  This is where Google is going with Nexus One.

According to Google starting today Nexus One users will begin to receive an over-the-air software update on their phones. This update provides some great new features, and fixes a few problems that some users might have experienced, including:

Google Goggles: this mobile application will now be available directly on your device by launching it from your All Apps menu. Just use your Nexus One camera to start searching the web

Google Maps: the Maps application with be updated to a new version, Google Maps 3.4, which will include:

• Starred items synchronized with maps.google.com – access your favorite places from your phone or computer
• Search suggestions from your personal maps.google.com history – makes it easy to search for places you’ve searched for before
• Night mode in Google Maps Navigation – automatically changes your screen at night for easier viewing and driving

Pinch-to-zoom functionality: devices will now include a new pinch-to-zoom mechanism in the phone’s Browser, Gallery and Maps applications.  This feature has been a major flaw in the user experience set by the iPhone.  Now Google matches a critical feature of the iPhone.

3G connectivity: we will provide a general fix to help improve 3G connectivity on some Nexus One phones

What this means?

Google is not stopping and will push fast to meet all the features of the iPhone.  I fully expect that Google will have a tablet very soon to meet the iPad.   At the heart of this mobile value proposition will be the functionality of the cloud.  Google will bring new game changing functionality that is to their advantage – search and data driven services.  This could be construed as a prelude to a new Unified Communications model or a “new network” model.