Google is not only the king of Internet searches but also the owner of some of the most attractive social-networking destinations on the Web, including YouTube and Orkut, but the Mountain View behemoth is extending its reach with the acquisition of Zingku.

The long rumored Google Phone (or Gphone if you prefer) could become a reality after all since the Brin and Page duo is so keen lately on having as many mobile start-ups as possible in its back yard. Back in 2005, Google had acquired Dodgeball, a mobile social-networking start-up which since then stalled quietly and unnoticed until its founders left the Mountain View offices earlier this year (of course, unsatisfied with the insufficient investments made), and in 2006 it continued the buyout frenzy with Grand Central Communications, which lets users of its software combine all their phone numbers and voice-mail boxes under one phone number so they can manage various phone features online.

Recently, another social-networking site aimed at connecting youngsters through their mobiles has attracted Google’s attention and apparently the cash flow too. Zingku, currently in private beta but online since 2005, is a start-up that uses standard text and picture messaging on a mobile phone and a Web browser, so users don't need to install additional software.

Zingku confirmed on its Web-page that Google is currently the owner of the service:

"We've entered into an agreement to have Google acquire our Zingku service." A Google spokesperson further strengthened Zingku’s confirmation, saying: "I can confirm that we acquired certain assets and technology of Zingku. We believe these assets can help build products and features that will benefit our users, advertisers and publishers. Aside from that, we have no plans to announce at this time."

New registrations have been frozen on the site and existing customers (or beta-testers, considering Zingku’s actual state) are asked whether they wish to keep their newly migrated accounts with Google or if they prefer deleting them.

With Zingku’s acquisition Google has once again demonstrated its Internet-powerhouse status that frightens Microsoft and Yahoo so much. Since launch, Google has integrated more than 47 smaller companies under its umbrella, but by far the most sounding buyout was the one related to Internet advertising giant DoubleClick, which is still pending.