In 2009, Motorola’s DROID and nearly a dozen other cell phones infused with Google (News - Alert) Android’s platform hit store shelves. Come 2010, competition could shoot to a whole new level when Google jumps right into that market with its very own Android (News - Alert) phone.

 

Though Google will not confirm the news, leaked to a number of media outlets earlier this week, the Internet giant did blog about the coming of something new. The post, “An Android dogfood diet for the holidays,” hinted at a new Android device, but stopped short of calling it “Nexus One” or giving any details as to its launch.

 

While Google remained hush-hush about its phone tinkerings, others boasted of their new phone-related applications and product launches.

 

First Orion (News - Alert), a company delivering network-based privacy and preference service to wireline, wireless, VoIP users and smartphones, announced the availability of the PrivacyStar application for BlackBerry (News - Alert),, which allows users to report potential telemarketing violations, block unwanted calls, identify unknown numbers and more.

 

3M announced its new “Mobile Dictation software” for Windows Mobile and BlackBerry smartphones, which helps physicians to use just a single device for phone, e-mail, and dictation. Plus, it provides “anytime, anywhere” access via Wi-Fi or 3G wireless service.

 

For the zealous home seller – or eager, deal-searching home buyer -- HomeFinder.com announced the launch of “Open Houses,” an iPhone app for helping home buyers find open houses and connect with a qualified local realtor.

 

If reading all this news is making you hungry, soon you’ll be able to eat a new kind of value meal at McDonald’s. The fast food giant announced that it will provide free WiFi to customers in partnership with AT&T (News - Alert) starting in mid-January across its 11,000 restaurants around the country. Currently, McDonald's charges $2.95 for Internet for non-AT&T customers, but come January the AT&T-operated WiFi network will be open to all. 

 

After all that holiday shopping, getting something free with your meal definitely sounds like a great incentive to chow down.