Guide Note
The Android operating system designed by Google is an open source platform upon which the so-called "Google Phone" is based. Rumors of a Google Phone have persisted for years, and the first commercially available phone is going to be the T Mobile G1, also known as the HTC Dream. The smartphone, consisting of a touch screen and a slide out keyboard, will be available for purchase by the end of 2008. The phone launched September 23, 2008. In addition to the partnership with T Mobile and HTC, Google is rumored to also have agreements with Sprint, Samsung, Verizon and others to create phones based on the Android platform.
Android Marketplace
The main difference between the Android-based phone and its main competitor, the iPhone 3G, is that the Google phone integrates with the suite of Google Apps such as Gmail and Google Calendar. Like the iPhone App Store, third party applications will be available at the Android Market. Since Android is open source, anyone can develop applications to integrate with whatever devices carry the operating system.
First Google Phone
Names for this first phone include the HTC Dream, developed by the High Tech Computer Corporation, and G1 by T Mobile. Reviews of the T Mobile phone have been mixed, with some commentators excited about the possibilities of a Google-integrated phone, while others don't expect it to be a game-changer in the smartphone market.
T-Mobile G1 Features
- Official name: T Mobile G1
- Price: $179
- Storage: Comes with 1GB, supports 8GB
- Colors: Black, brown (available for preorder) and white (available at launch)
- Available in major markets October 22
- Available in most markets by end of 2008
- Integrated with Amazon MP3 Store
Android Project
The Android operating system was developed by Google and the Open Handset Alliance, a consortium of telecommunications, technology and Internet companies, based on Linux.