T-Mobile G1 Android phone is official
UPDATE:
T-Mobile has now officially announced the release of the very first Google Android-toting mobile, the G1. As we previously reported today, the open-source blower will come toting a full touchscreen as well as a QWERTY keyboard and trackball for those one-handed moments.
The HTC-manufactured handset will have iPhone-bothering full web browsing, as well as an App Store-like Android Market, where users will be able to download loads of 3rd-party Android treats, as well as the bundled suite of Google goodies (Maps and Streetview, Gmail and YouTube).
The phone features a built-in compass, meaning that for the first time ever users can navigate Google Maps 360 degrees by turning the phone around in their hand.
There’s built-in support for T-Mobile's 3G and EDGE network as well as Wi-Fi, and the G1 will automatically choose the best high-speed connection for browsing. There’s no push email as yet, but it will support Gmail and most other POP3 or IMAP mail services. It also looks like there's MMS too.
The G1 will come with an iPhone-beating 3MP camera (woop), although no significant onboard storage – a mere 2GB (boo). The iTunes-baiting Amazon.com music download service, allowing users to choose from 6million DRM-free MP3s won’t be available in the UK at launch, but expect it the minute Amazon’s music service hits our shores.
It also disappointingly matches the iPhone with no video or Flash support, but fans of monochrome will be pleased by the choice of white or black models.
Cost-wise, you’ll be able to pick up the G1 for free on a £40 per month T-Mobile contract, although you’ll have to wait until the beginning of November to get your mitts on one.
In the meantime, check out our blogs where we’ll be posting an exclusive set of first-look pics and hands-on video.
First official pics of Google's G1
T-Mobile G1 Android phone uncovered
Amazon.com music download service
5 things we want from Google's G1 phone
Essentials
T-Mobile G1
Price: £from free on tariff
On sale: November
Contact: T-Mobile
Comments
Its alot
3 years ago
I can't believe it. People saying this phone could beat the all new apple iphone 3G. That a lie. Fair enough better camera but, am still not pleased.
Joe M
3 years ago
It's not really about the phone though, it's all about Android. The OS is great and while the phone is a bit ugly, it works really well.
Cheers
Joe
scooter42
3 years ago
what! No video??!
Are these people all so blindingly STUPID!
In this U-Tube & 'youve been framed' generation video is VITAL!!
(you could even make back what you spent on the handset)
Also - does FULL internet mean it WILL HANDLE FULL FLASH WEBSITES?
As nothing else is capable!
gill1h
3 years ago
Mobile phones seem to always be a compromise. You need to decide what is the best for you. Here's some comparative information:
iPhone: touchscreen keyboard G1: proper keyboard
iPhone: expensive G1: not as expensive
iPhone: battery not removable G1: removable battery
iPhone 3G: battery runs out quickly G1: not as bad
iPhone: looks beautiful G1: looks 'okay'
iPhone: 8,16,32Gb flash G1: 256Mb flash, upgradeable
(G1 comes with 2Gb micro-sd, but can take 16Gb one)
iPhone: no flash in browser G1: ditto
iPhone: polished media experience (video, music)
G1: need to grab video player from android market
iPhone: headphone socket G1: usb socket (need adaptor to use standard headphones)
iPhone: iTunes (tsk) G1: usb mass storage
iPhone: large user base G1: new to the market
iPhone: proprietary OS G1: open-source OS
iPhone: svelte dimensions G1: chunkier
iPhone: no cut-and-paste G1: cut-and-paste
The G1 wins for me.