It is dissatisfaction with the ability of today's phones to carry targeted advertising--rather than a thirst for software-licensing revenues or desire to build cool gadgets--that is pushing Google to take on the mobile-phone market, industry sources say.

FORBES: Will Google Crush The iPhone?

Akon says that it was this reality, coupled with a desire "to be cool, " that sent him off the rails during his teenage years.

CNN: Akon: Why I'm a changed man

But it is more like a confused soap opera, overcrowded with characters and suffering from the constant desire to prove itself au fait with its cool surroundings.

ECONOMIST: Failure of imagination