Google to Distribute Mobile Devices

Looks like you won’t need a smart phone to use Google’s upcoming “check in” service: According to TechCrunch, Google is preparing to ship millions of custom mobile devices to small businesses around the country. These devices will allow customers to check in to businesses, rate them, and maybe even purchase items via Google Checkout. It’s part of Google’s attempt to get a toehold in the very lucrative market dominated, currently, by Facebook, Foursquare, and Yelp.