Google has presented in cooperation with T-Mobile its first Android based smartphone; the G1! For the time being it's only available in the US.
It has been some time ago since we've heard rumours about a Google phone. At first people thought of just one phone, as a response to the iPhone. But soon we all heard that Google was working on a platform based on Linux, named Android. Producers could use this open-source platform to provide the market with simple new devices. All with the focus on smartphones.
T-Mobile is the first operator that has released a Google Android phone. Well known is the fact that HTC is the producer of the G1, which we all know with the code name 'Dream'. The T-Mobile G1 has a HVGA resolution (480 x 320 pixels) touchscreen and is suitable for 3G networks. The device itself is 116,8 x 54,9 x 16 mm and has a weight of about 160 gram. Other features are a GPS receiver, WiFi network support, a 3 megapixel camera and a built-in memory of 8 GB.
Missing functionality
Last month we heard that some functionalities of Android were cancelled because they wanted to make sure the device got introduced on time. The first generation Android doesn't have instant messaging. We all presumed that Google would place a support for Google Talk standard on Android.
Developers aren't even capable of using Bluetooth. The device can use it, but we won't find any software of third parties that use it. Google is probably going to add this missing functionality on the newer versions of Android.
We just have to wait
Do you want your own T-Mobile G1? You just have to wait. The device will be in stores in October, but only in the US. By the end of this year the device is expected to be in stores in Europe. If you buy one you do have to have a Google account. Apparently, the G1 is useless without account. The device will cost you around 200 dollar.