While the Internet was alive with rumors that search engine Google was making a phone, it was revealed that the project was actually an open-source phone software platform and operating system called Google Android. Since that announcement, the public awaited the first phone to run Android. It was confirmed that the very first "Google phone," the by HTC for T Mobile, is the T Mobile G1, unveiled on September 23, 2008 and available to the public on October 22, 2008.Wired.com: Official: First Android Phone to Debut... (September 17, 2008)
Google Phone Timeline
- February 2007: Engadget reports that Samsung is developing a Google smartphone to compete with the iPhone.
- March 2007: Mobile manufacturer LG announces the development of phones that will use Google services.
- June 2007: LG releases KU-580 phone, which integrates Google applications Gmail and Google Maps.
- October 2007: The Wall Street Journal reports that Google will be announcing the development of Linux-based, open-source mobile phone software, but not an actual phone.
- November 2007: Rumors emerge that Google is developing mobile technology with AT&T.
- November 2007: Google itself announces its development of a mobile phone platform, called Android, in conjunction with the Open Handset Alliance, including Motorola, T-Mobile, and Qualcomm.
- February 2008: Engadget again announces that Samsung is developing a phone with Google, to carry the Google logo, due late in the year.
- September 2008: The first phone running the Google Android operating system, the T Mobile G1, is unveiled.
- October 2008: The T Mobile G1 launches to the public