Signs of economic crunch has hit Google, just in time for the holidays. Last year, employees received bonuses with some in the thousands of dollars for the holiday. This year, the Santa Google Clause is giving them is G1 Android phones, which they call "Dream Phones."
An internal email said:
This year, we've decided to give Googlers a different kind of present -
a Dream phone (this is the same device T-Mobile markets as the G1).
We're really excited about getting the phone to more Googlers in more
countries, and also seeing all the cool new things you do with it"
Here's the fun news, they don't come with a SIM card and the are unlocked. Due to fancy footwoork they will work with Wi-Fi immediately.
In the 17 countries where the phone won't work,
including Brazil, Russia, India and China. Employees in those
countries will receive about $400, the cash value of the phone.
But
wait they want the Googlers to work testing the phone and say, " This
is a chance for us to once again dogfood a product and make it even
better!"
A quick survey on eBay showed a lot of unlocked G1 phones....
Comments on the story that ran in
ValleyWag offers this suggestion
"I would be over the moon if I got a G1 as a present. Beats a mug filled
with candy. Or an ugly sweater. Or a PINK SLIP. Be thankful, Googlers."
Like 