Today was a pretty big day for Google’s Android project with the unavailing of the first Android powered phone at the T-Mobile Google Android Event. Making an appearance at the event was Google’s own Sergey and Larry. Apparently they were trying to come in with a bang, because they entered on rollerblades.
So here’s what you need to know. They’re calling it the G1 (it’s the HTC Dream) and it will launch on the T-Mobile network around October 22nd. Pricing is key in this market, and they were able to slap a rather attractive price tag on the phone, $179 (with a two-year contract).
Features include:
- 3.17″ Touchscreen
- QWERTY keyboard
- 5 hours of talk time
- 3.1 MP camera
- Weight: 5.6 ounces
- Colors: white, black, brown
Similar to the App Store for the iPhone, there will be an Android Market where third party developers will be able to develop and submit applications that users can download. Compared to the iPhone and other competitors like the Tilt or the Blackberry Bold, the G1 phone is an attractive choice for consumers.
Initial reactions from those who have been able to get their hands on the phone to test, are mixed. Gizmodo points out a lot of great things about the phone including all kinds of support for Google Services, but also points out some issues that people might have. Among them, “cludgy” browsing- scrolling and zooming isn’t as smooth as what you might expect. Another complaint is that it doesn’t include a headphone jack. Interesting, isn’t it? If you’ll want to use headphones, you’ll have to use a USB adaptor. There will also be no iTunes support.
Gmail fans will be happy to know that there’s extensive support in Android for Gmail. Users will be able to search their messages, and they say that there will also be an “integrated online presence with Google Talk.” Another interesting feature comes with Google Maps – Street View will work!
It sure does sound promising, doesn’t it? Especially at $179.
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Tags: Google, Google, Google Android
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2 words…..ugly
1 word…..not too shabby
Wow Super ugly, sad they could not find a better phone to pack it with. Its a pretty ugly start.
It’s not only the phone that is ugly but also the desktop and the icons. That has really been my main concern with Google — the fact that they don’t really seem to care about their Apps looking good.
“It sure does sound promising, doesn’t it? Especially at $179.”
I wish… T-Mobile coverage sucks in my area, so it’s worthless to me until I can move it to Verizon (pretty much the only thing that works well throughout New England.)
Ugly it is. Best thing about the phone so far is the picture on the [gizmodo.com]+mobile-g1s-five-most-obnoxious-flaws
I don’t think it’s that ugly, but there are definitely some better UI’s out there. Hopefully developers will be able to skin it.
Now that I think about it I’d say that it almost has a Linux feel to it judging by the screenshots.