The latest patent filed by Google (News - Alert) has once again fueled speculation regarding the presumed impending launch of the much anticipated, but as of yet unconfirmed, GPhone.

The search giant filed a patent last week that would allow users to pay for goods from vending machines and retailers via text message, or SMS (short message service) technology.

Dubbed 'GPay', the service would involve sending an SMS to Google, which would turn around and pay the retailer providing the goods or services. The move signals another phase in the company’s move toward making an official announcement regarding the “GPhone” , which Google has reportedly spent hundreds of millions of dollars developing.

However, Google remains cagey as to any imminent release of a mobile phone from the company, despite persistent rumors that Google is planning shortly to launch a cheap internet-enabled mobile phone.

"We file patent applications on a variety of ideas that our employees come up with. Some of those ideas later mature into real products or services, some don't. Prospective product announcements should not necessarily be inferred from our patent applications," a Google spokesman told TMCnet.

According industry insiders, Google is expected to use this “Gpay” to make payments to retailers, doctors or even their landscapers.

Daniel Longfeld, an analyst with Frost & Sullivan, said Google has the power to shift the paradigm of wireless use. “I would not be betting against Google,” said Longfeld, referring to the company jumping into the mobile market. “They have 12.5 billion reasons [dollars] to believe they can be successful, not to mention a perfect track record of execution, and a brand that consumers really believe in.”

The search firm has already worked with mobile phone providers, including LG, to ensure that its search page is included for mobile internet users.

“They are very focused on mobile, seeing huge opportunities in long-term,” Greg Sterling, an analyst with Sterling Market Intelligence who was recently briefed by Google executives on their plans for future mobile search, was recently told TMCnet.

Tim Gray is a Web Editor for TMCnet, covering news in the IP communications, call center and customer relationship management industries. To see more of his articles, please visit Tim Gray’s columnist page.