Verizon's 'Droid' attack on the iPhone elevates Google in mobile air-wars

Competition in the mobile phone arena is about to get really real. Apple's iPhone -- available only on AT&T (T)-- has been the toast of the mobile world in recent years, but now Google (GOOG) is set to unleash a worthy challenger. Through its Android open-source mobile operating system and a pact with Verizon Wireless, the two companies have begun an all-out assault on the iPhone, starting with an in-your-face TV spot mocking the popular handset and introducing consumers to Droid.