T-Mobile set to unveil first Google phone

by Stevie Smith - Sep 17 2008, 11:51

Google’s much talked about Google handset, which is built on the search giant’s equally talked about Android platform, is set to be officially unveiled next week following news that carrier T-Mobile USA has teasingly invited select media representatives to “experience the first Android-powered phone.”

While the event’s date and time have been confirmed -- it will take place at 10:30am on Tuesday in New York -- further details are currently being withheld with both T-Mobile and Google Inc. holding back on saying anything more at this stage.

Produced by handset manufacturer HTC the “Dream” (a.k.a. Google’s “G1”) phone physically resembles the popular iPhone, and even comes with a touch-sensitive display screen much like Apple’s iconic device. However, initial physical similarities stop there thanks to the inclusion of a full QWERTY keyboard, which makes the incoming handset noticeably bigger than the iPhone.

For those not familiar with the ins and out of the Android software platform, Google initially unveiled its single-platform initiative alongside the Open Handset Alliance, which is made up of 33 industry players that signed on with Google to develop a handset platform capable of hosting all manner of third-party applications through a single, unified code.

Although it’s not expected to hit retail until some time in October, current Net chatter suggests that T-Mobile will use its upcoming media event to thrust the G1 into the limelight, while also showcasing its functions and features and outlining availability and pricing.

While T-Mobile USA stands as the first carrier to offer the Android-equipped G1 in the United States, other mobile phone manufacturers are also expected to embrace the Android platform as market combatants look to battle the likes of Apple’s iPhone and Research In Motion’s business-centric BlackBerry range.

In a move to sprinkle more fairy dust on its platform and further solidify its appeal, Google is also in the process of creating an online software store that will provide all manner of downloadable Android-compatible applications similar to Apple’s existing App Store, which restricts access to the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Around the Web