T-Mobile and Google Introduce First Android Phone

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/09/23/104755-img_3662_400.jpg

Image from Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/23/t-mobile-g1-first-hands-on/)
Google and T-Mobile have introduced the first Android-based mobile phone today called the T-Mobile G1. T-Mobile held a press conference which is available (http://announcement.t-mobileg1.com/) for online streaming. T-Mobile's press conference provided quick overviews of the device and seemed to position the device directly against the Apple iPhone with developers discussing the openness of the platform without any approval process. The phone will be commercially launched on October 22nd alongside a large marketing campaign. Features discussed:

- Amazon mobile music store (press release (http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=97664&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1199842&highlight)) preloaded on the G1.
- Built in keyboard
- Google Maps
- Android Market
- Launch on October 22nd
- No tethering option
- SIM-locked to T-Mobile
- Read Word, PDF, Excel files. No exchange compatibility, but 3rd parties could bring it.
- GMail is push, IMAP is pull
- No desktop application to sync
- Wi-Fi and 3G
- $179 with 2 year contract

Walt Mossberg provides first impressions (http://mossblog.allthingsd.com/20080923/googles-g1-first-impressions/) of the new device and describes it as a "versatile device which will offer users a real alternative in the new handheld computing category the iPhone has occupied alone." Other notes:

- Physical keyboard. Typing "OK"
- Tied to Google web email, contacts, calendar. Support for 3rd party email too.
- "Won't win any beauty contests" but feels good in hand when closed
- Software slick, responsive
- Copy, paste
- Instant Messaging
- Very basic music player, Amazon MP3 downloads
- No built in video player, but you can download one from the Market
- Only comes with 1GB memory. Upgradable to 8GB.
- Removable battery.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/09/23/t-mobile-and-google-introduce-first-android-phone/)

[princealfie]

I can dig it!

[Mindflux]

Copy and Paste! What a kick in the pants.

[mrblack927]

a good start... i'd like to see it on better hardware though

[IlliniDude]

so why can't gmail on the iphone be push?

[tkidBOSTON]

- GMail is push, IMAP is pull


Gmail push. I want.

[jnc]

lol@removable battery and copy/paste - take that, iPhone!

Seriously though, competition is good.

[TheNorthWaves]

nice, but until it has flawless integrated exchange support, it's a 100% no-go for me. What's good about this phone is that it will finally push apple into including important features on my ipod touch 2g (cut/paste, etc).

[Daremo]

Page one news on a macrumors site? I mean, I understand it's iphone competition, but damn...

[7on]

I like it. If I didn't already have an unlocked iPhone on T-mobile then I'd get it. Seamless Mac syncing means more to me than this Android phone, but options are good :)

Also,

$25 - Unlimited Data and 400 SMS
$35 - Umlimited Data and Unlimited SMS

[zedsdead]

The only advantage I see is the Amazon mp3 store. This is really becoming a thorn in Apple's side. They need to mandate that all music is drm-free, period. They are the #1 music retailer in the US, time to start throwing that weight around.

While this is probably the best platform and device outside of Apple's, it is still not an iPhone, nor is it OS-X. Makes me appreciate mine even more for how truly unique it is.

[nos]

They just have no style! :D

[plumbingandtech]

Oh goodie.

SideKick™ for adults.

I'm glad it's out now all the iphone whiners can either go to that platform, or go to that platform and come back after they realize how good they had it with the iphone.

[retroneo]

this is good, will keep apple on their toes

next iphone needs a hardware compass to do that awesome street view VR thing

[Newbi]

Copy & Paste Apple get it sorted!!!:mad:

Oh and while your at it get MMS working aswell.

Geeez

[HiRez]

Yawn except for the copy/paste, Apple really needs to move their glacial ass on this now. Removable battery is nice to but that has nothing to do with Android. I still think their open app store is going to be a big mess.

Question: does anyone know the details of how they are implementing the copy/paste?

[Fidgetyrat]

Copy & Paste Apple get it sorted!!!:mad:

Oh and while your at it get MMS working aswell.

Geeez
I still think their open app store is going to be a big mess.[/QUOTE]

I think this is one of the opportunities that "**** Storm" is a better description.

[bassproguy07]

still fugly!! Don't think it will be much competition for the iPhone, looks like a new sidekick if you ask me

[deannnnn]

I wish it wasn't so ugly =/

[papiti]

They say this is competition for iPhone?, c'mon, Ja, Ja, really, just because it has push & copy & paste. big deal. We iPhoners can sync to computer with contacts and everything, its upgradable, they have 1GB upgradable to 8GB, we already have 8GB or 16GB. We can have as many e-mail accounts as we can almost have, iPhone is prettier, and Oh yeah, its an IPHONE!!!!!!!!:D:);):apple:

[Voidness]

No desktop application to sync? I'm not impressed.

[stealthboy]

Copy & Paste Apple get it sorted!!!:mad:



Maybe I'm just using it wrong, but I've never had the need for copy/paste on my iPhone. I find all the vitriol thrown around about its nonexistence a bit disproportionate with its potential actual use in real-life.

/my humble opinion

[emulator]

They just have no style! :D
:apple: fanboys are also very objective.

[mcnicks]

MMS is yesterday's technology. It will go the same way as WAP.

[nickXedge]

A major player against the iPhone can only help the situation at this point. Lets get working on some of those less important features, Apple. You know the ones, they're on every other phone that is trying to combat the iPhone.

[iSlicer]

0 style
I think it reacts in a sluggish manner.
Terrible, terrible, terrible user interface. Did I say terrible?
Music player looked like it came from the 80s.
No video support = bummer.
All that, and get ready for an array of buggy as hell software to be uploaded to the phone. Just like the N95, open an app, watch it crash.

I want competition, but if this is the comp, I don't think Apple needs to do anything which is really disappointing. I truly hope something comes along to give the iPhone a run for it's money, but this device, sad to say, is not it.

[Stella]

It looks like a very functionality phone.

It may be lacking a good Mp3 player, but that will soon be fulfilled by 3rd party software - like any other software. Google won't be blocking applications because they provide 'duplicate' or 'competing' functionality.

If PC <-> phone syncing is missing, then thats quite a big show shopper.

--
To the above poster - "it reacts in a sluggish manner"... but yet its reports are "Software slick, responsive"...

[papiti]

:apple: fanboys are also very objective.

And you are.......?????????:D:apple:

[fastbite]

Hargh! Frigging ugly.

[Shaun.P]

Maybe I'm just using it wrong, but I've never had the need for copy/paste on my iPhone. I find all the vitriol thrown around about its nonexistence a bit disproportionate with its potential actual use in real-life.

/my humble opinion

I completely agree.

I would however, like to be able to forward text messages to other people...

[LaMerVipere]

I'm excited! I can't wait to play with one.

PS, I have an iPhone 3G but that doesn't keep me from loving cool new tech (no matter where it's coming from), and this is certainly that

[noahhendrix]

The platform may be open, but it is still locked to T-Mobile. Which of course the iPhone is locked to AT&T, but still hard to tout being so open when it is still locked to a carrier.

[paja]

One word....... FUGLY !

[ncbill]

Do they mean officially?

You can tether the iPhone.

Shoot, you can easily tether a GoPhone w/ Bluetooth.

[HLdan]

Ugly. But nothing is wrong with competition. I have to disagree with a lot of you on the competition part though. It's not that Apple needs competition because they really make great products, they are actually driving others like Google to compete with them. Apple may need to tighten up some of the loose ends but they do not need anyone to drive up competition for them, it's not like Apple makes crappy stuff like Microsoft and needs competition to drive them to innovate.

[ImperialForces]

still fugly!! Don't think it will be much competition for the iPhone, looks like a new sidekick if you ask me

"Fugly" is right on. If it "wont win a beauty contest", I don't see this particular model doing that much damage to the iPhone's market share. However, competition is what made Apple the company it is today. So long as they are the underdog, they will continue to crap awesome out their arse :)

[IlliniDude]

I completely agree.

I would however, be able to forward text messages to other people...

Why can't Apple just add a "forward" option to the text interface?

[macaco74]

looks like cheap plastic - but has some interesting features as everyone has pointed out.

[Stella]

The platform may be open, but it is still locked to T-Mobile. Which of course the iPhone is locked to AT&T, but still hard to tout being so open when it is still locked to a carrier.

That isn't what is meant when it says 'open'....it refers to the o/s and developers can freely develop for it.

[luckygyrl83]

Gmail push. I want.

Me too!!! I love my iphone and all, but it seems like the Android is the first real competitor for it. This is really exciting.

[Turmoil]

I don't ubderstand why this is a page one story on
MAC Rumors??? Is it now mobile phone rumors? I vist here
for Mac related news

[mrzeve]

Can't wait to get rid of my iPhone (Tmo unlocked) for this thing.

[Pooshka]

LOL

Seriously, Apple's got absolutely nothing to worry about. :rolleyes:

[str1f3]

The only advantage I see is the Amazon mp3 store. This is really becoming a thorn in Apple's side. They need to mandate that all music is drm-free, period. They are the #1 music retailer in the US, time to start throwing that weight around.

While this is probably the best platform and device outside of Apple's, it is still not an iPhone, nor is it OS-X. Makes me appreciate mine even more for how truly unique it is.

they have very little power. the music industry owns the content and content is king. ultimately the only reason the record companies are having this feud with itunes is because they want to raise prices (which i'm sure amazon amongst others have already agreed to). they would have taken their content off of itunes already, but they are worried about the lost revenues.

[Peace]

Nothing special. It's the Linux version of a handheld.

I mean that metaphorically.;)

[nickXedge]

They say this is competition for iPhone?, c'mon, Ja, Ja, really, just because it has push & copy & paste. big deal. We iPhoners can sync to computer with contacts and everything, its upgradable, they have 1GB upgradable to 8GB, we already have 8GB or 16GB. We can have as many e-mail accounts as we can almost have, iPhone is prettier, and Oh yeah, its an IPHONE!!!!!!!!:D:);):apple:

I don't mean to flame or be a jerk, but I think this is the kind of attitude that is hurting the iPhone in the long run. There are too many people who think the iPhone is perfect for the fact that it's an iPhone. These same people are the ones who "understood" keyboard lag is a necessary evil and didn't mind waiting for a fix from Apple. Also, when there were 3G issues, they said it was okay because it's still an iPhone. That's a terrible attitude. We need to get on Apples crack about these issues and let them know that for the simple fact that it's an Apple iPhone does not make it the best device ever. It's a great device, don't get me wrong, but at the same time I have no problem bashing the setbacks and the bugs and demand that Apple fix them straight away.

[fat phil]

0 style
I think it reacts in a sluggish manner.
Terrible, terrible, terrible user interface. Did I say terrible?
Music player looked like it came from the 80s.
No video support = bummer.
All that, and get ready for an array of buggy as hell software to be uploaded to the phone. Just like the N95, open an app, watch it crash.

I want competition, but if this is the comp, I don't think Apple needs to do anything which is really disappointing. I truly hope something comes along to give the iPhone a run for it's money, but this device, sad to say, is not it.

-Video is supported by a (free) download from the marketplace.

-I'm sure the interface will be customised to hell in the first few weeks.

-"Just like the N95..." I've been watching my 3G iPhone crash from buggy marketplace apps ever since I bought it. You're in for a LONG wait if you think a Perfect World is about to descend upon us all...

Probably best not to throw rocks until you see a worthwhile crack to aim at.

Personally I think it looks like a turd, but then so does my mate's wife - but she's a great cook.

[DocStone]

I wonder if I will be able to get 'I Am Rich!'. (Just kidding)

[msa]

How could Apple miss that?!? Or has it already been patented before... :D Seriously, looks good and more responsive than my iPhone 3G especially when in bad reception areas where the phone chips seem to take 110% of the CPU to keep connected.

[fat phil]

Anyone know if it supports background tasks?

[Motley]

Can't wait to get rid of my iPhone (Tmo unlocked) for this thing.

Replacing an unlocked iphone for a locked phone?:confused:

[dwman]

Personally I think it looks like a turd, but then so does my mate's wife - but she's a great cook.

LOL!! Harsh, but funny. :D

[LagunaSol]

The only advantage I see is the Amazon mp3 store. This is really becoming a thorn in Apple's side. They need to mandate that all music is drm-free, period. They are the #1 music retailer in the US, time to start throwing that weight around.

Apple doesn't control the DRM/no DRM issue. The labels do. Remember Steve's public letter about DRM? If the labels allowed it, Apple would almost certainly go fully DRM-free today.

Though I would love to see Apple demand DRM-free and then sue for anti-competitive practices when the labels pulled out of iTunes (since they sell DRM-free in Amazon).

It's criminal that they (the labels) allow DRM-free in Amazon but not iTunes.

[kjs862]

The street view in maps with compass view is sick! I hope Apple brings us at least street view to the iphone's maps.

[lifeinhd]

They're going to getsued over their use of an accelerometer, I just know it.

[CPD_1]

1 GB is a breaking point for me. I'm almost out of room on my iPhone, and it has 16 times as much storage. If they want people to install a bunch of apps, they need some serious storage on this thing.

[batchtaster]

Cool.

I won't be getting one (partly because it seems kind of limited at the moment), but good on 'em.

P.S. I can't be the only one who thought of this (http://transformers.wikia.com/wiki/G1)?

[TechnoLawyer]

Page one news on a macrumors site? I mean, I understand it's iphone competition, but damn...

Here's what I'd like to know -- why is Eric Schmidt still on Apple's board? They already make him walk out of the room when they discuss the iPhone. It's ridiculous. It reminds me of when Bill Gates used to hang out at Apple when the first Mac was being developed.

[LagunaSol]

As for the G1: ugly hardware, ugly software. I'm not surprised - since when did Google do great hardware or software?

Not even Windows Mobile folks will be impressed by Android - and Windows Mobile folks have a very high tolerance for mediocrity.

[mBox]

Maybe I'm just using it wrong, but I've never had the need for copy/paste on my iPhone...I hear yaa! I havent had any real use other than writing out a speech for a wedding on Notes. but then I just emailed it to myself and printed it :) so no need to copy and paste to a email app within phone.

[Stella]

Apple doesn't control the DRM/no DRM issue. The labels do. Remember Steve's public letter about DRM? If the labels allowed it, Apple would almost certainly go fully DRM-free today.

Though I would love to see Apple demand DRM-free and then sue for anti-competitive practices when the labels pulled out of iTunes (since they sell DRM-free in Amazon).

It's criminal that they (the labels) allow DRM-free in Amazon but not iTunes.
Off topic:
Your post is interesting: it has parallels to the current Apple AppStore situation were Apple refuse applications... likewise, shouldn't the Labels be able to control where they allow their music to be sold and how?

[irvingdizzle]

So those 32GB sd cards wont work?

[miketcool]

Whatever, this is an excellent start. I can only wish this is the phone that brings T-Mo some better recognition in North America. Stupid government taking forever to get off their 3G network.
I have T-Mo, and I tested ATT's data for free recently. You guys pay way too much to have to deal with the D-bags who answer the phones for them. Simply nasty. I just wish for 3G with T-Mo and a decent phone. I would love to have an iPhone, but the camera and battery makes me rethink it. Then I have to deal with the sleazy customer service at ATT while they hack my phone calls? I'll be with T-Mo till they fold.
Sure this phone isn't going to win any beauty contests. Neither does my 92' Toyota Celica, but it gets the job done. This is a great start for Android.
Also, bugger off about the comments on the open App store failing because of no quality control. How much control is there for submitting iMixes on iTunes, or Widgets for Dashboard? It seems if the app is good, people will weed out the fill and put it to the top of the list. Come on, the Dashboard Hula dancer was at the top for how long? And it had what functionality?

[LouisBlack]

And this is supposed to be an iPhone killer how?

I admit it's got some nice touches but overall it is as good or worse than the iPhone is many respects.

I'm not saying this because I am a 'fanboy'. I was just hoping for maybe something more. It just seems to have ripped off the iPhone without offering any major improvements. I would expect that from Nokia or Samsung but Android was really hyped up to be pretty revolutionary.

[TechnoLawyer]

I completely agree. I would however, be able to forward text messages to other people...

I triple agree -- and it's all thanks to Apple design. For example:

1. Need to email a Web page? You can do so from Safari. No need to copy and paste the URL.

2. Need to dial a number? Just tap it and the Phone application dials it. No need to copy and paste it into the Phone application.

I don't think Apple gets enough credit for some of this clever design.

[foofightre]

my thoughts are it wont compete with the iPhone for awhile. they're a generation behind. even the app store is new (whinnner's take note) and if they (T-mobile) want to release just any app, i think it'll backfire. too much is never a good thing.
besides, t-mobile is on a smaller network, they've only made it in the past with their sidekicks. most people i knew with tmobile hated it.
and 1 GB to start? laugh. but if its an card you can remove (isn't it) that's pretty badass

i'll never betray apple though. they own me. where else would i go?

[ddTaylor]

The platform may be open, but it is still locked to T-Mobile. Which of course the iPhone is locked to AT&T, but still hard to tout being so open when it is still locked to a carrier.

Only THIS phone is locked to T-Mobile and not the platform. Come on!

It is not an attractive phone but so what? That is a problem with people today. Yes, Apple products are pretty and I like that about them - but if it works, and works well - I guess I am less impressed with style at that point.

I wonder if Apple will release iTunes for Android? I doubt it based on Apple of recent. That is a shame. I will look at one and I have an iPhone and all Apple computers. It will be nice to see the next hardware revision. Other manufactures will institute their own take on the Android platform.

D

[Lepton]

Maybe I'm just using it wrong, but I've never had the need for copy/paste on my iPhone. I find all the vitriol thrown around about its nonexistence a bit disproportionate with its potential actual use in real-life.Correct! We need it for a few things like heavy text editing, but a better and much more elegant solution is something on the phone now but that can be expanded - data detectors! I explain exactly why copy and paste on the iPhone is mostly unnecessary here (http://www.myallo.com/blog/2008/08/why-apple-iphone-copy-and-paste-is-mostly-unnecessary/).

[juice831]

was expecting better things... iphone wins

[kironin]

My reaction to it's looks is a flash back to using my old Palm PDA. It looks like a low-end plastic Palm PDA to me. Fugly is right.

$179 with a 1GB SD. So how much is a 8GB MicroSD ?

My problem with the keyboard is I don't type in Qwerty. At least with a screen keyboard it's just software to have an alternative layout.

So locked to T-mobile. How is that an improvement over what Apple did?

Well, I doubt this is an iPhone killer, it's likely to remain in the gadget/open software religion geeks only domain for the next year at least, but hopefully it will spur competition and drive Apple to make the next generation iPhone better.

[decimortis]

They're going to getsued over their use of an accelerometer, I just know it.

Right after they sue them for letting the device make phone calls. :cool:

[csimmons]

I see nothing in the G1 / Android that makes me want to give up my iPhone. Honestly.

-The compass view in Maps is cool

-Copy / Paste is fine, but we all know that's coming to the iPhone soon

-Amazon MP3 Store is nice, but since you can get the same tracks on your computer and use them on the iPhone, so what?

-the "open, uncontrolled" Google Market. Great. Does this really matter so much to end users?

For all the bitching that some devs are doing regarding the App Store (BTW the creator of Podcaster could have been professional about it and contacted Apple and inquired about how he could make his app App Store compliant -like hundreds of other devs have done- but instead he chose to publicly whine about about being rejected, like a jilted girlfriend), I don't really see anything that makes the Google Market better for Android end users than the App Store is now for iPhone end users.

Android will probably be a hit, but not at the expense of the iPhone. Totally different league. Sure, Android will get better over time, but so will the iPhone OS. That's not fanboyism (is that a real word?), that's just common sense.

[koobcamuk]

It looks like a very functionality phone.

It may be lacking a good Mp3 player, but that will soon be fulfilled by *snip* .. the fact that everyone has an iPod.

This phone looks naff.

[fat phil]

They're going to getsued over their use of an accelerometer, I just know it.

I fully imagine they have a legit license. HTC aren't new kids on the block.

[riversky]

so why can't gmail on the iphone be push?

I think the introduction of this phone and Android should answer your question!

[trellus]

Maybe I'm just using it wrong, but I've never had the need for copy/paste on my iPhone. I find all the vitriol thrown around about its nonexistence a bit disproportionate with its potential actual use in real-life.

/my humble opinion

I'm an Apple fanboy, but the lack of copy/paste is a big impediment for me and one of the reasons why I'm waiting to see other options like phones on the Android platform, Blackberry Bold, or phones based on the new Palm OS II to come out next year.

I use copy/paste at least 2-3 times a week for friends who ask me to text them something that I have elsewhere on my Treo (often a phone number from my Contacts, and no I'm *not* going to memorize it ;-) ), and I copy and paste it and send it off as a text message. I would get quickly aggravated if I could not do this on the iPhone. :)

That being said, this first Android phone is fugly; I hate the slide-out keyboard design and I'm sticking with my Treo 755p for a little while longer as I'm addicted to physical QWERTY keyboards, but not ones that I have to slide out first to access. :)

[csimmons]

My problem with the keyboard is I don't type in Qwerty. At least with a screen keyboard it's just software to have an alternative layout.


...which is one of many reasons why the iPhone OS is at the moment in a class by itself.

Switching between keyboard layouts on the fly is one of the most used features on my iPhone, since I tend to switch frequently between different keyboard layouts / languages due to the iPhone word recognition.

[ChrisK018]

I think once they get a slicker design things will get more interesting. I'm a little bummed that the iPhone only has one design and two colors.

[andyr2120]

All in all, if I can get an Android-based phone (not necessarily this one) on AT&T's network with the limited, $15/month data plan then I think I've found my future phone OS. Android will get better, fast. And AT&T made public statements about offering Android devices ASAP, so I should be in luck.

BTW I would already have an iPhone if they didn't require a $30/month data plan. I can afford it, but it is a bit excessive. $15/month is at the limit and I will only go there because there is no good alternative.

[Maxington]

Gmail push. I want.

Bah. No GMail push for the iPhone :(

[Bleestha]

1 GB starting???
that is pathetic, and the iPhone is about the same price at 8 times the memory
the firmware will fill it up
and no video player, that is crap
it is a toy not a cell phone
roughly drafted is right, they are going into a dominated market

[Stampyhead]

Wow, way to release it on the ugliest phone known to man. I'd be embarrassed to be seen on that thing in public.

[socamx]

Well I haven't looked it over in total detail, but if you can use any voice plan with this phone, you could get it for a total of $55/m ($25 for unlimited data + some sms, and the cheapest voice plan at $30 with 300 minutes and unlimited weekends.) I don't use SMS and I barely use the minutes on my current phone, so those are of no consequence to me.

$55 vs $75 a month for the iPhone makes this phone extremely appealing to me. Right now every penny counts for me, and a $20/m difference is highly, highly appealing for a iPhone mimicker.

Definitely perked my interest.

[fat phil]

-the "open, uncontrolled" Google Market. Great. Does this really matter so much to end users?

For all the bitching that some devs are doing regarding the App Store (BTW the creator of Podcaster could have been professional about it and contacted Apple and inquired about how he could make his app App Store compliant -like hundreds of other devs have done- but instead he chose to publicly whine about about being rejected, like a jilted girlfriend), I don't really see anything that makes the Google Market better for Android end users than the App Store is now for iPhone end users.

You know, I wonder about that. You only have to look at YouTube to see what happens in a lightly moderated provisioning service (and that's what a marketplace is, paid for or otherwise). I'm not thinking of hardcore adult material, but stuff that is outright offensive or just wrong. The fact is, nasty stuff is going to appear wherever there's money or attention to be had.

I'll eat my hat if it remains unmoderated - either by Google or a third party. The carrier will demand it if things go awry (such is human nature).

[peepboon]

lol... its funny to read Fanboy's comments...

I think its a good attempt from Google :P

[born4sky]

This think is ugly, I am sure Google and HTC had more money to spend for design. I'd rather see this on HTC touch with a keyboard.
Than I'd say it's a competition for an iPhone, but with this design ... I'd Be very Happy to see something better than iPhone, it's not perfect, but it's better than something else. However lately att&t sux
What about competition, I think Apple will introduce copy/paste with the cumming push notification update. They always does it. Will see if I am right http://www.windowsfordevices.com/files/misc/htc_touch_dual_flat.jpg

[xraydoc]

I still want a Verizon iPhone. :(

(Yes, I know my comment has nothing to do with the article)

[str1f3]

i'm an iphone guy but i disagree with anybody here who thinks this won't be
big which i am hoping for:

-only $179 (you can get 8gb cards real cheap)
-$35/month for unlimited data/text messaging
-an app store with an sdk and without an approval process
-free push for what many consider the best email client
-amazon mp3 store
-3mp camera
-enhanced google street view
-replaceable battery

that said there are things missing:
-no multitouch!
-ugly
-seamless integration with desktop apps (though that can be done though not as well by a 3rd party)
-cannot play with itunes fairplay drm
-interface not as smooth

the whole thing about this is that ANDROID IS NOT COMPETING WITH APPLE.
THEY ARE GOING AFTER MICROSOFT. they are about one step away from killing them off. google now has a phone, a browser, email, desktop web apps. the only thing that is left is the google desktop os. they are going to be offering lower priced computers because that os is going to be free and it will be popular because it will have the google name behind it. the dark days are coming to redmond.

so to all of us apple fanboys out there i say rejoice for we are seeing what we all have been waiting for a long time: the beginning of the end of microsoft.:D

[guifa]

That isn't what is meant when it says 'open'....it refers to the o/s and developers can freely develop for it.

I've never had any trouble with T-Mobile unlocking my phones though. You just call up and explain you're going on a trip to Europe or something and need to be able to use local SIM cards and they'll get you the unlock code. I doubt this phone would be much different.

[iPhoneJoe]

not as impressed as I thought I would be!

[Plutonius]

The only advantage I see is the Amazon mp3 store. This is really becoming a thorn in Apple's side. They need to mandate that all music is drm-free, period.

How many times do people need to say it. iTunes will be completely drm-free when the labels allow Apple to sell the music that way. Labels are allowing Amazon to sell drm-free music to prop up Amazon so the label's can become less dependent on iTunes.

[guifa]

...which is one of many reasons why the iPhone OS is at the moment in a class by itself.

Switching between keyboard layouts on the fly is one of the most used features on my iPhone, since I tend to switch frequently between different keyboard layouts / languages due to the iPhone word recognition.

How do you get it to display other country/language's keyboards? I've yet to get the Ñ key to appear even when I choose Spanish as the langauge. I still have to hit N and wait for it to pull up the menu.

[MacPossum]

A friend of mine currently works for Google and had mentioned to me that the so called "Google Phone" would really give some competition to the iPhone. Needless to say, he really seemed to hype the whole thing up. After seeing this official release I must say I am not impressed. Sure, push notifications is nice but essentially releasing an "iPhone competitor" with only 1GB of memory just seems silly.

Maybe it's just me but when I look at the demo video it seems like the UI on the phone is a little sluggish and sort of disorganized to a certain extend. It's almost as if Google just threw it all in there and said "here it is!" Typical Apple fanboy? Probably. However, I remember the first time I saw the iPhone the first thing that came into my head was "Wow, how awesome!" After watching the Android demo it was more like, "and...?"

Something I forgot to mention... my past experiences with T-Mobile have been awful. As much as I can sit here and complain about AT&T I'd rather be stuck with them than have to deal with T-Mobile again.

[Planet Telex]

Well, I doubt this is an iPhone killer, it's likely to remain in the gadget/open software religion geeks only domain for the next year at least, but hopefully it will spur competition and drive Apple to make the next generation iPhone better.

I completely agree. I don't think too many people will be lining up for a week to be first in line to get this.

[tinfai]

I don't mean to flame or be a jerk, but I think this is the kind of attitude that is hurting the iPhone in the long run. There are too many people who think the iPhone is perfect for the fact that it's an iPhone. These same people are the ones who "understood" keyboard lag is a necessary evil and didn't mind waiting for a fix from Apple. Also, when there were 3G issues, they said it was okay because it's still an iPhone.


Good points.

While I enjoy using my iPhone and think that it's a great device, I don't share the same fanaticism I've read which borders on believing the iPhone is perfection in white plastic.

[fat phil]

This snippet from AppleInsider's live feed is quite amusing...

"Google co-founder keeps referring to the Android Marketplace as "The App Store."

Says a lot eh? :p

$25 data plan is quite impressive - basically half the cheapest UK equivalent for iPhone.

[polaris20]

What I find interesting is what happens to the stability of the platform when a developer has to develop for multiple devices?

One game developer who's name escapes me (apparently one of the more popular iPhone game devs) says he has no interest in developing for the Android, due to its eventual hardware diversity. 6 months programming, 6 months debugging various devices.

Gotsta find the link, just read that yesterday......

Also, the lack of approval process is a double-edged sword. Sure it's benefits are obvious; no dictator-like final approval. But what happens when the "crap" starts trickling into the Store?

[miketcool]

A few more things:

The release of this phone is likely NOT going to screw up my important email account for at least 2 weeks. This is why I switched to Gmail. My $99 a year .mac/MobileMe account was royally fudged over with the simultaneous release of software/hardware/cell service.

I love Apple, but they need to sit back sometimes and look at the big picture. What a nightmare. I hope the iPhone doesnt see the same M$ lawsuits over monopolization that was seen in Europe. I feel Apple is walking a thin line with their process of sniffing out applications. If RealPlayer were to make an App and Apple were to say it was duplicating the function of built-in Quicktime, there would be a lot of red flags thrown. This why I am a fan of jailbeaking and open app stores.

Seriously, how hard would it be for Apple to write a desktop application that checked for conflicts of applications on your iPhone? Give us cake so we can eat it too. I hope Nokia buying Symbian learns this lesson as well and drops application signing.

Lastly, did anyone make the connection between T-Mo's last press release of an upcoming open app store for their phones with this current Android phone? Doesn't seem so stupid now does it?

[GRuizMD]

Maybe I'm just using it wrong, but I've never had the need for copy/paste on my iPhone. I find all the vitriol thrown around about its nonexistence a bit disproportionate with its potential actual use in real-life.

/my humble opinion

+1 here on that

User of iPhone since day 1: Never needed the famous copy-paste some people complain about... Maybe these people should try the android, since it has this "vital" function... On the other hand I was much more accurate and fast with my physical Palm keyboard.... Maybe I need to practice a little more

[dejo]

I'd rather see this on HTC touch with a keyboard.
The HTC does have a keyboard. I see it on the bottom of that picture there. It even says "QWERTYUIOP" and stuff. ;)

[Snowcat001]

I don't see why this is page one news or any news at all. It's not Apple!
It's not that every new notebook on the market gets its own page one story, why should this phone be any different???

I vote negative!

[ilfn143]

Maybe I'm just using it wrong, but I've never had the need for copy/paste on my iPhone. I find all the vitriol thrown around about its nonexistence a bit disproportionate with its potential actual use in real-life.

/my humble opinion

i have a utf-8 character username on other forum that can't be type on iPhone, if i could copy/paste it i could login and post there. or if i'm reading something interesting i could just send that not a whole freakin link. if apple come out with copy/paste some people going "wow that's the greatest thing ever!"

[powderblue17]

I honestly expected a lot more out of this just because Google was behind it but I have to say that that interface is hideous and although it seems pretty fast the transitions are just as jerky and bad as the overall interface. Why would you design a small touchscreen device with 3D icons? The only people I see picking this up are linux geek types and people who just don't know any better.

[lancer674]

I really hope the platform takes off and does really well, but they do not do themselves any service comparing to and trying to compete with the iPhone though. I love seeing Linux getting it's little moment here, anything *nix is an improvement over Windows Mobile. Maybe this will finally do it for Windows Mobile, with Apple, Google, and RIM in the game, maybe M$ just won't have enough room to keep it going.

I personally am an iPhone user, and I don't see myself jumping to T-Mobile for this platform, I'm not very impressed, but I am certainly hoping to be impressed in the future so that I can applaud them for their efforts. Free markets always drive innovations.

I already get GMail and Yahoo mail Push anyways, and the keyboard, the keyboard :(, for the love of all that is good in this world, kill the keyboard and use the space for something more valuable, like memory, etc. iPhone's keyboard is great and if the physical keyboard is what is the deal breaker for people on the iPhone, they are just going to go to Blackberry anyways. Stop being an iPhone sidekick thingy knockoff.

[w00master]

How many times do people need to say it. iTunes will be completely drm-free when the labels allow Apple to sell the music that way. Labels are allowing Amazon to sell drm-free music to prop up Amazon so the label's can become less dependent on iTunes.

Here's what you don't get. Until Apple does this, I will continue to buy my songs from Amazon, and *not* iTunes.

The DRM problem is Apple's, not mine.

[miketcool]

the dark days are coming to redmond.

so to all of us apple fanboys out there i say rejoice for we are seeing what we all have been waiting for a long time:

the beginning of the end of microsoft.

Reads like a self fulfilling prophecy. My thoughts exactly.

[DMann]

"Fugly" is right on. If it "wont win a beauty contest", I don't see this particular model doing that much damage to the iPhone's market share. However, competition is what made Apple the company it is today. So long as they are the underdog, they will continue to crap awesome out their arse :)

Actually, "foogly" seems a bit more appropriate. Seems to be a bit too clunky, sluggish, (Resistive screen with no zoom capabilities vs Apple's more fluid Capacitive screen) and third party apps will likely choke on the shaky OS. This ought to give the Windows Mobile platform a run for its money though, as well as accelerate the deployment of Cut & Paste for the iPhone.

[Aurial]

You guys do realise that Apple are not the inventors of the accelerometer right?

And what does the term 'iPhone killer' mean exactly? Does it mean 'to command more market share', because even windows mobile does this?

[GRuizMD]

How do you get it to display other country/language's keyboards? I've yet to get the Ñ key to appear even when I choose Spanish as the langauge. I still have to hit N and wait for it to pull up the menu.

You have to program for languages in settings if I remember well. It will change the autocorrection to spanish. The ñ appears only when you hit and sustain the n though... Not a big deal really..

[w00master]

+1 here on that

User of iPhone since day 1: Never needed the famous copy-paste some people complain about... Maybe these people should try the android, since it has this "vital" function... On the other hand I was much more accurate and fast with my physical Palm keyboard.... Maybe I need to practice a little more

So, explain to me this. What if you had to text someone your friend's address and you didn't know it from the top of your head? Don't you think it's a little annoying to have to go to your contacts, then either write the address down or attempt to memorize it, go back to SMS then type it all out again?

That's just ONE example.

Also, people bring up data detectors. Sorry, but Apple CANNOT build data detectors for everything. Additionally, much of what data detectors does ONLY GOES ONE WAY. Other apps CANNOT (at this moment) data detectors. Which is WHY data detectors are not a legitimate argument against copy and paste.

Most of you who don't "care about" copy and paste, aren't seeing the big picture. If you use the argument that the iPhone is essentially a mini computer, then this should give you the reasoning why copy and paste is necessary. You may not find it necessary RIGHT NOW, but down the line it is 100% essential. I want to be able to copy information from one app to another. Right now, this is not possible with the Jesus Phone. It's absolutely crazy on why it isn't possible.

[bytethese]

Maybe I'm just using it wrong, but I've never had the need for copy/paste on my iPhone. I find all the vitriol thrown around about its nonexistence a bit disproportionate with its potential actual use in real-life.

/my humble opinion

I think you are using it wrong. :)

It would be nice to copy from a webpage to an email or vice versa. Sometimes I'd like to quote something I read on a webpage and post in a blog, hell, on Macrumors, etc. Copying to/from text messages would be most helpful too. "hey do you have so and so's email address and.or phone number?" *copy/paste*. Yes, I will need to keep dreaming for now I suppose...

[shoebobs]

so to all of us apple fanboys out there i say rejoice for we are seeing what we all have been waiting for a long time: the beginning of the end of microsoft.:D

I don't consider myself an apple fanboy. So for those who are, do you really want to see Microsoft eliminated? I mean I understand you don't like the company but I think the competition it brings is very important.

Which is why this Android launch is important. So it's not an "iPhone Killer" currently, but there will be improvements and innovations that will only make Apple bring better offerings to the table.

The last think I would want is for Apple to be the only option for Computers/Mobile Phones/Music Players, etc...

[OriginalMacRat]

I've never had any trouble with T-Mobile unlocking my phones though.

I was unable to get T-Mobile to unlock a Motorola RAZR V3. Tried 3 times and each time they would just respond that they couldn't get the information from the vendor.

So I ended up taking it to a 3rd party shop and they unlocked it for $30.

[bytethese]

I triple agree -- and it's all thanks to Apple design. For example:

1. Need to email a Web page? You can do so from Safari. No need to copy and paste the URL.

2. Need to dial a number? Just tap it and the Phone application dials it. No need to copy and paste it into the Phone application.

I don't think Apple gets enough credit for some of this clever design.

1. Yes, but I don't want to email the whole page sometimes, maybe just a quote from it to those who don't have an iPhone with a nice looking safari browser. :)

2. Yes, that's great, but what if a friend texts you "Do you have ____'s number?" I have to go in contacts and try to remember the number and then text it, where copy/paste would be pretty helpful there. :)

[nitewolfgtr]

I like the copy & paste and Gmail push..... but....
Why does it look so ugly....:confused:

I figured Google would be a little more innovative on the design. It just looks like a typical windows mobile phone...

come on google, you can do better than this!

[slackpacker]

Hey... Google is the new Microsoft!

Hey what I'm really mad about is they have been holding out on Google Streetview. Sure they were all happy to work with Apple on G-Maps.... and steal Development info from Apple just to make .... it. Ahh Business.

[FoxHoundADAM]

"I may be paranoid but I am no android"

[OriginalMacRat]

Do they mean officially?

You can tether the iPhone.

No you can't.

Apple pulled a tethering application from the App Store.

ATT claims that they are working on a "blessed" tethering option that will of course come with extra charges.

[Island Dog]

Hopefully this will spur some more innovation on Apples part.

[fat phil]

And what does the term 'iPhone killer' mean exactly? Does it mean 'to command more market share', because even windows mobile does this?

Well everything sounds better and draws more attention if you have the words KILLER, FREE MONEY or BREASTS included. I could make the font bigger, and maybe red, but that would only scare some people away.

Anyway, in all seriousness, it's all a bit boring really. The iPhone has made more than a few people open their tired eyes and see a new bandwagon.

Innovation is always followed by imitation. What makes me laugh is that Apple get all the credit just because they made a "pretty" imitation of existing technology, and added a few extras on. Of course, a fair few sharper-minded people stopped laughing when they realised the extras were crammed in where all the usual stuff would normally be :P

It's like that episode of Battlestar Galactica (The Long Patrol, I think - original series) where Starbuck's sitting in the souped-up StarBurst Viper ("fastest thing in the universe!"):

Starbuck: "How did you get that faster engine in this thing? It doesn't look any bigger..."

Apollo: "It's not. We removed the laser generators"

Starbuck: "Oh yes, that makes sense...

(as he launches into space)

Starbuck: "Wait....but that means no weapons...!!??"

[MrCrowbar]

Why can't Apple just add a "forward" option to the text interface?

I'd love an "abort" button when sending SMS. Happened twice already that an SMS to my loved one went to someone else because the receipient name is only really apparent when the message is on it's way. And there's no way to abort, can't even turn the phone off quickly enough.

I know it sounds dumb, but I usually I go into SMS, then there's already a conversation open, I start typing adn tap "send". Does anyone know a solution to this?

[FoxHoundADAM]

Well everything sounds better and draws more attention if you have the words KILLER, FREE MONEY or BREASTS included. I could make the font bigger, and maybe red, but that would only scare some people away.

Anyway, in all seriousness, it's all a bit boring really. The iPhone has made more than a few people open their tired eyes and see a new bandwagon.

Innovation is always followed by imitation. What makes me laugh is that Apple get all the credit just because they made a "pretty" imitation of existing technology, and added a few extras on. Of course, a fair few sharper-minded people stopped laughing when they realised the extras were crammed in where all the usual stuff would normally be :P

It's like that episode of Battlestar Galactica (The Long Patrol, I think - original series) where Starbuck's sitting in the souped-up StarBurst Viper ("fastest thing in the universe!"):

Starbuck: "How did you get that faster engine in this thing? It doesn't look any bigger..."

Apollo: "It's not. We removed the laser generators"

Starbuck: "Oh yes, that makes sense...

(as he launches into space)

Starbuck: "Wait....but that means no weapons...!!??"SPOILER ALER...jeez I just finished season 1 the other day, now the entire show is ruined!!!

(kidding kidding)

[CaptainCaveMann]

God it's annoying to see this on here. Let's keep it MAC eh? :mad:

[olternaut]

this is good, will keep apple on their toes

next iphone needs a hardware compass to do that awesome street view VR thing

Exactly exactly exactly egggsssssssactly!! You can tell that ol Steve-o was getting a touch bit too smug bout the iphone. Good! This will keep Steve on his toes.
I want the android platform to be a lively and healthy platform so Steve will have no choice but to continue to improve his products. Oh of course he is improving his product you may say.
But with android he (and Apple) will be pushed to improve their stuff all the more!

Remember, this is just one handset, on one carrier. Imagine when android is on multiple handsets (of different types) on multiple carriers with multiple price points and payment plans. Yes, its going to have its set of problems and growing pains but this sure don't look like no windows mobile crap thats for dang sure!

EDIT: I'm telling you right now......windows is history!

[Dagless]

So not only is it ugly but it uses Amazons music store; this phone will only be released in the US. Nicely played Google.

TBH the whole thing just looks clunky from design to the menu. At least Apple nailed the UI down when they launched.

Hardware keyboard, ew.

[VoR]

Not hugely interested in this until it's on some beefier hardware and there's more interest in software development.

Bit depressing reading all the reviews and opinions about uses and features on these current devices when you can do far more on a 4 year old pda/smartphone.

[fat phil]

So not only is it ugly but it uses Amazons music store; this phone will only be released in the US. Nicely played Google.

TBH the whole thing just looks clunky from design to the menu. At least Apple nailed the UI down when they launched.

Hardware keyboard, ew.

The phone is released in the UK in November and Europe (selected countries) in Q1 2009.

[fat phil]

Not hugely interested in this until it's on some beefier hardware and there's more interest in software development.

Bit depressing reading all the reviews and opinions about uses and features on these current devices when you can do far more on a 4 year old pda/smartphone.

Tell me about it. Emperor's New Clothes for the third time in 2 years.

If it can run background applications, then I'm very interested. Couldn't care less what it looks like in my pocket lol.

[paja]

The new T-Mobile Android Phone

- has NO Multitouch
- 1GB of Memory and only supports up to a 8GB Card.
- Choppy Browser & Interface compared to the iPhone
- Thicker than the iPhone due to slide out Keyboard
- Locked into T-Mobile
- Crappy MP3 playback

I'm sure some of these things will improve over time, but as of now I don't see it as an iPhone killer.

[Dagless]

^ Ouch for the memory limitations and no multitouch.

The phone is released in the UK in November and Europe (selected countries) in Q1 2009.

Without a music download service I take it.

[kas23]

You guys do realise that Apple are not the inventors of the accelerometer right?

Yes, I got one in my 4 year old Kodak camera. Apple didn't invent everything.


And what does the term 'iPhone killer' mean exactly? Does it mean 'to command more market share', because even windows mobile does this?

You're right. These companies really don't have to make an 'iPhone Killer.' AT&T is the actual iPhone killer. By being locked to ATT, the iPhone is really just offered to a very small subst of the population. Of course, there are people with money who change cell phones like underwear, but this is even a smaller subset of people. Otherwise, AT&T are making it very, very hard for the vast number of consumers, by way of pricing, to switch over to them.

All the other companies just have to put something out and price it less than the iPhone and right there, the iPhone has been "killed." For example, the Instinct is clearly an inferior phone to the iPhone, but most people are willing to overlook this due to its iPhone-killing price and plan.

[solarkismet]

http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/23/video-android-walkthrough-on-t-mobile-g1/

[DaveTheGrey]

eeek ugly

[jerfrank]

Too bad the T-Mobile limits you data throughput after 1gb of usage in one billing cycle. http://jeremyfranklin.org/2008/09/23/t-mobile-g1-announced-and-the-data-throughput-slowdown/

[RoDe]

I think the android platform and phones will force Apple to keep improving the iPhone as we know it to day.

So even though I won't be buying one I think it's a good thing.

[danny_w]

so why can't gmail on the iphone be push?
Gmail on the iPhone could easily be push if Apple would get off their duffs and implement it. Gmail push works like a champ on the desktop now, but they won't add the same feature (IMAP Idle support) to the iPhone. Apple's own mail.app (desktop version) has this option and it works well.

[str1f3]

I don't consider myself an apple fanboy. So for those who are, do you really want to see Microsoft eliminated? I mean I understand you don't like the company but I think the competition it brings is very important.

Which is why this Android launch is important. So it's not an "iPhone Killer" currently, but there will be improvements and innovations that will only make Apple bring better offerings to the table.

The last think I would want is for Apple to be the only option for Computers/Mobile Phones/Music Players, etc...

i agree with competition being a good thing and so is compatibility. i'd rather google eventually become a main competitor and microsoft not exist. while apple does some things that are proprietary (mainly with ipod/itunes) that i do not like, they have promoted an openness for web, similar to google, & unlike microsoft. for a recent example, i just heard a couple of weeks ago that microsoft had turned off compatibility mode by default in ie8.

i personally think that the world is better off without a microsoft controlling 90% of the market and with someone like google who promotes open source
being the dominant os. apple may never have more than 15% of any market but i'm ok with that. at least google won't go around to third world countries and start giving their os out for a low price, like a drug dealer, and then charge you a way higher fee later on for it.

[product26]

wish this was out when my company bought me my t-mobile wing.... having a touch screen device was nice, but I was stuck with windows mobile for 8 months. If I hadn't replaced the wing with an iphone i would be nabbing up a G1 for sure.

[mickeyd26]

Too bad the T-Mobile limits you data throughput after 1gb of usage in one billing cycle. http://jeremyfranklin.org/2008/09/23/t-mobile-g1-announced-and-the-data-throughput-slowdown/

that's the same thing i was thinking...

If your total data usage in any billing cycle is more than 1GB, your data throughput for the remainder of that cycle may be reduced to 50 kbps or less.

that's ridiculous! i mean, sure, it's unlimited but SLOW.

[cube]

- 1GB of Memory and only supports up to a 8GB Card.


You can't buy a microSDHC larger than that now.

16GB and 32GB have already been tested on other phones but are still not for sale.

[Ted13]

-only $179 (you can get 8gb cards real cheap)

You can get 8GB card that will fit in that phone for under $20? I seriously doubt it. So, bottom line, the G1 is more expensive than the iPhone, and more limited (can't be expanded to 16GB).

Also, what's with the "no tethering"? I thought the whole point of Andriod was that it was "open". Is this turning out to be a meaningless marketing slogan?

Look, I took it for granted that an Android phone was going to be clunkier/uglier than the iPhone. But it can't even match in the memory dept. -- FAIL.

[kornyboy]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5F136 Safari/525.20)

This thing looks nice. I can't wait to read some reviews of it and see how it performs in comparison to the iPhone.

[7on]

http://www.t-mobileg1.com/

[fat phil]

You can get 8GB card that will fit in that phone for under $20? I seriously doubt it. So, bottom line, the G1 is more expensive than the iPhone, and more limited (can't be expanded to 16GB).

Also, what's with the "no tethering"? I thought the whole point of Andriod was that it was "open". Is this turning out to be a meaningless marketing slogan?

Look, I took it for granted that an Android phone was going to be clunkier/uglier than the iPhone. But it can't even match in the memory dept. -- FAIL.

http://www.memorycardzoo.co.uk/1712/Sandisk/Micro-SD-(with-SD-adaptor)/8GB-SDHC-(class-4)/

http://www.sandisk.com/Products/ProductInfo.aspx?ID=2369

Tethering, and other network-using apps will fall under the ToC of the carrier. Sure you can make an app to tether, just as you can have your way with a poodle, but just as the poodle will likely not react in a friendly manner to your advances, T-Mobile will make you pay for using what it deems "ToC-breaking" applications.

[jbernie]

Maybe I'm just using it wrong, but I've never had the need for copy/paste on my iPhone. I find all the vitriol thrown around about its nonexistence a bit disproportionate with its potential actual use in real-life.

/my humble opinion

Was wanting copy/paste last night (on my Touch v2) to copy something from an email and paste it into another application.... given copy/paste exists on Blackberrys, even on my Samsung A737 cheap phone, it seems that Apple is not providing a function because that can't figure out a classy way to impliment it.


Ugly. But nothing is wrong with competition. I have to disagree with a lot of you on the competition part though. It's not that Apple needs competition because they really make great products, they are actually driving others like Google to compete with them. Apple may need to tighten up some of the loose ends but they do not need anyone to drive up competition for them, it's not like Apple makes crappy stuff like Microsoft and needs competition to drive them to innovate.

Thats right, only Apple makes quality products and they force everyone to compete with them as opposed to other companies making products that Apple needs to compete with. Not going to say Android is a home run in its first release, then again I haven't been interested in the platform, but it does allow more flexability in some features (removable memory card/battery) where as Apple provides a closed box.

Then again, how is Apple doing with providing a full implimentation of bluetooth etc?

One thing I will be interested to see is whether Google gives the Android software updates for its own services ahead of the iPhone or if they do a release to everyone at the same time. They are a provider of the tools but also a user of the tools which could mean they will want their own products updating first.

[TheSlush]

<< yaaaaawn >>

[fat phil]

Without a music download service I take it.

Most probably. Perhaps we should make our own? You wouldn't get Apple letting that through their gates (podcasting, anyone?) :p

[supremedesigner]

Um.... Apple cannot do anything to make it DRM-free. Only music-makers can. Sucks, does it? They want Apple to de-monoply anytime soon but I very much doubt it for a long, long, long, long, loooooong time!

The only advantage I see is the Amazon mp3 store. This is really becoming a thorn in Apple's side. They need to mandate that all music is drm-free, period. They are the #1 music retailer in the US, time to start throwing that weight around.

While this is probably the best platform and device outside of Apple's, it is still not an iPhone, nor is it OS-X. Makes me appreciate mine even more for how truly unique it is.

[ingenious]

not bad. i'll keep my ipod touch in hopes of the 2009 iphone, but i'm glad apple now has some (worthwhile) competition.

things Android has that I want to see on the iPhone/iPod touch:
Google Maps Street View
Push Gmail
3MP+ Camera
Browser choice (I love Safari, but more competition is always better.)

Besides, Chrome (lite) is a WebKit browser, and many people want Firefox. Those browsers each have their strengths... and should be allowed to compete with Safari Mobile in the mobile market.

looks solid.

[DaBrain]

Page one news on a macrumors site? I mean, I understand it's iphone competition, but damn...

Welcome to macphonerumors ;)

Question about 2 year contract required. With whom?

[LaMerVipere]

Anyone know what the song is on the G1 site?

[twoodcc]

seems okay i guess. but i don't see it as a real threat to the iPhone

[quovadis]

Take a closer look ...

http://www.htc.com/www/product_gallery.aspx?FolderID=5786

[TheSlush]

I don't see why this is page one news or any news at all. It's not Apple!
It's not that every new notebook on the market gets its own page one story, why should this phone be any different???

I vote negative!

Industry news about a new product from a major juggernaut that is a direct competitor to an industry-leading, headline-grabbing Apple product... I'd say this is worthy of MacRumors' coverage.

(Perhaps technically it's a slight widening of this site's scope, in the service of maintaining a wider relevance in the tech news blogosphere, but it's still worthy of coverage here.)

[NAG]

Yeah, I have to agree about all the people parroting the "competition is good" line over and over. It is like when people appended all their posts with "in my opinion." Of course it is your opinion and no one ever has said competition is bad. (and by the way, I agree that Apple is a leader, not a follower so competition isn't really relevant...just look at the ipod it has lead with no meaningful competition for how long?)

Over all, I think the G1 is lack luster. It is a good replacement for a WinMo phone but doesn't really aim to do the same thing the iphone does. Here is a good example, how many clocks does windows and the G1 have? (I also got a kick out of gmail and regular imap mail being segregated between two mail apps by default, you have to close one app and open another if you want to switch between your gmail and other imap mail accounts...who thought this was a good idea?)

[Ted13]

http://www.memorycardzoo.co.uk/1712/Sandisk/Micro-SD-(with-SD-adaptor)/8GB-SDHC-(class-4)/

http://www.sandisk.com/Products/ProductInfo.aspx?ID=2369

Tethering, and other network-using apps will fall under the ToC of the carrier. Sure you can make an app to tether, just as you can have your way with a poodle, but just as the poodle will likely not react in a friendly manner to your advances, T-Mobile will make you pay for using what it deems "ToC-breaking" applications.
With those links, you've proven my point -- an 8GB micro-SD costs a lot more than $20 -- even the 4GB version costs more. Thus the Android phone is more expensive than the iPhone.

As for the carrier being unhappy about tethering, granted, but those iPhone users lucky enough to have bought the NetShare tethering app aren't suffering any repercussions form AT&T. Bottom line, Andriod is not an open platform.

[DaBrain]

God it's annoying to see this on here. Let's keep it MAC eh? :mad:

This cell phone obsession is truly amazing! ;)

[w00master]

Bottom line, Andriod is not an open platform.

No, it's not, but it's a lot more open than Apple's.

[JoeDRC]

Fugly!
Prefer my iPhone
syncing to iCal, Mail and iTunes are the big bonuses.

Still a good alternative, competition is good!

[fat phil]

With those links, you've proven my point -- an 8GB micro-SD costs a lot more than $20 -- even the 4GB version costs more. Thus the Android phone is more expensive than the iPhone.

As for the carrier being unhappy about tethering, granted, but those iPhone users lucky enough to have bought the NetShare tethering app aren't suffering any repercussions form AT&T. Bottom line, Andriod is not an open platform.

Totally agree about the open platform (more accurately perhaps, marketplace promise). I mused in an earlier post about the nonsense of an unmoderated marketplace - I reckon it's complete bollocks or utter madness: that wording is going to swept under the rug pretty quickly.

Actually the one thing I didn't realise, and amazes me utterly, is the "gPhone" is aimed at consumers, not business users. WTF. At the very least, it would be incredible competition against Blackberry (which iPhone isn't) - particularly since Blackberry users are quite well adapted to talking into what looks like a scientific calculator.

[i0Nic]

Android has a few things I want to see in the iPhone:

1. The top bar which can scroll down at any time in any app to reveal current info such as new sms, email, event etc. This would be useful in the iphone, currently you have to exit out of an app to read sms' etc. which is not ideal.

2. The main screen showing whatever widget you want, with a quick swipe from the bottom to reveal your apps. This is quite clean and the iPhone would benefit from it, so you can see main info such as event and sms notification on the main screen.

3. Copy/paste. Enough said.

4. Street view with Compass mode, this would be an awesome addition to the iPhone maps app.

[NAG]

With those links, you've proven my point -- an 8GB micro-SD costs a lot more than $20 -- even the 4GB version costs more. Thus the Android phone is more expensive than the iPhone.

As for the carrier being unhappy about tethering, granted, but those iPhone users lucky enough to have bought the NetShare tethering app aren't suffering any repercussions form AT&T. Bottom line, Andriod is not an open platform.

Don't bother with reason. The "open platform" position is purely political. It doesn't mean a thing in real world terms yet it means everything to a niche of people. If they deem one thing opened and the other thing closed that is it for them, end of story. Ignore the man behind the curtain.

[MagnusVonMagnum]

They're going to getsued over their use of an accelerometer, I just know it.

Hmmm. Apple sues T-Mobile and then Nintendo (think Wii) sues Apple and the iPhone is pulled from the market. Don't you just love the patent system which lets you pull one out of you back side and then no one else is allowed to use it no matter how basic the idea is? Better patent that Warp Drive now in case someone invents one some day.

Off topic:
Your post is interesting: it has parallels to the current Apple AppStore situation were Apple refuse applications... likewise, shouldn't the Labels be able to control where they allow their music to be sold and how?

Personally, I think the consumer should have the choice of where and how they buy their music. What ever happened to 'Consumer is King' ? But then unlike some on here, I think the consumer should be allowed to choose their own hardware for the Mac operating system as well instead of being forced to buy it from Apple (hacking excepted). Simply having the choice to not buy something altogether isn't really all that helpful when you want to get something done.

I would like to see Apple go fully DRM free on the iTunes store. They've lost a LOT of sales from me because I will not buy music at 128kbit or with DRM. But as I recently discovered when I bought an iTunes Plus 256kbit supposedly DRM free track, my new JVC car stereo won't play it properly. It sounds like its slowing down like a tape motor is going bad when it tries to play that file (Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over") yet it plays fine on Apple's hardware (iTunes 8, AppleTV and iPod Touch). All 256kbit AAC files I've made myself from my CD collection play just fine on the JVC so it begs the question what is wrong with Apple's DRM free files that they don't like to play it non-Apple hardware? That only pushes me to Amazon's store even more since those MP3s play just fine on non-Apple hardware. The JVC won't play Apple Lossless either because Apple won't formerly publish the specs on it.

Apple just doesn't want to play nice on the playground. Too bad about the apps they won't publish on the iTunes store too, especially when an author has put months into one only to be rejected because Apple feels it treads on their own software's turf. The author of "Signal" (remote control software for the iPod Touch that works through the Mac or Windows and a web page that existed long before Apple's own 'remote' app) claims he's working on a native iPhone/Touch app but given Apple already has a remote app of their own, I can't help but think it'll get rejected by them and the consumer will be the loser since Signal can already do things that Remote cannot do (e.g. make up playlists on the fly from the Touch as you go). In all these things, I think it should be up to the consumer to decide what to buy/install/use. After all, it's your life. You should be able to decide how to live it. Apple shouldn't be living it for you. But then that's my outlook on life...people first. Look where greed got Wall Street. It's not hard to figure out whom I'm voting for in November.

[gloss]

Yay for competition. Yay for background applications. Yay for improved Google Maps integration. Yay for the DRM-free Amazon Music Store. Yay for expandable SD memory.

Boo for no syncing. Boo for no integrated memory. Boo for no multi-touch. Boo for the still-clunky browser interface.

This is a very cool device by any objective standard, and brings Google's typical minimalist functionality to bear. It's even got a few things to hold over Apple's head. However, it's locked to T-mobile, and as such, it's not going to pose a huge threat in the US space. It should, though, act as a spur to Apple's sluggish roadmap for the iPhone.

Did I mention that competition is good?

[The Tall One]

What sells the iphone is that fact that it is your ipod and your phone in one device, matched with a super slick GUI and REAL INTERNETS WEB SPACE CYBER NETS BROWSING.

[bigwig]

GMail is push, IMAP is pull
IMAP with IDLE is effectively push.

[TheSlush]

Regarding the "competition is good" mantra, I think this bears repeating:

Competitive pressures are not the engine of Apple's quality.

"Competition is good because it pushes Apple" -- this Economics 101 idea is always being touted throughout the MacRumors forums. I think it's worth saying that competition is not what drives Apple/Steve Jobs. They want to make the best products. Not "slightly better than the other guy" products, the best ones. They are not driven by what's out there, or with keeping up with the Joneses. They do not "get nervous" when a competitor adds some feature or reduces the price of something. They do not "worry" that their products have to be up to par with everyone else's. They do not improve a product to compete, they improve it to make it better. Sure, Apple has to play in the same market like everyone else and I'm not suggesting they can totally defy the laws of competitive economics... but I am suggesting that it's not what drives them, and it's not what inspires them, and I don't believe it's what constitutes their decision-making.

Competition is relevant for all those companies' missions of delivering "better." But competition is irrelevant to Apple's mission of delivering the BEST. If they were the only computer company on earth with a 100% monopoly, I believe they/Steve would still be constantly improving their products in trying to deliver the best. That is what drives them.

[danny_w]

What sells the iphone is that fact that it is your ipod and your phone in one device, matched with a super slick GUI and REAL INTERNETS WEB SPACE CYBER NETS BROWSING.
That's what got me to buy an iPhone, but I quickly realized that I hated the iPhone's implementation of the iPod functions (I didn't know how much I would miss that click wheel). I just bought a 5G yesterday for my iPod needs.

[fat phil]

Hmmm. Apple sues T-Mobile and then Nintendo (think Wii) sues Apple and the iPhone is pulled from the market. Don't you just love the patent system which lets you pull one out of you back side and then no one else is allowed to use it no matter how basic the idea is? Better patent that Warp Drive now in case someone invents one some day.

Eh?

Why would Apple sue T-Mobile?
Why would Nintendo sue Apple?

Really, please, tell me...:)

[GRuizMD]

So, explain to me this. What if you had to text someone your friend's address and you didn't know it from the top of your head? Don't you think it's a little annoying to have to go to your contacts, then either write the address down or attempt to memorize it, go back to SMS then type it all out again?

That's just ONE example.

Also, people bring up data detectors. Sorry, but Apple CANNOT build data detectors for everything. Additionally, much of what data detectors does ONLY GOES ONE WAY. Other apps CANNOT (at this moment) data detectors. Which is WHY data detectors are not a legitimate argument against copy and paste.

Most of you who don't "care about" copy and paste, aren't seeing the big picture. If you use the argument that the iPhone is essentially a mini computer, then this should give you the reasoning why copy and paste is necessary. You may not find it necessary RIGHT NOW, but down the line it is 100% essential. I want to be able to copy information from one app to another. Right now, this is not possible with the Jesus Phone. It's absolutely crazy on why it isn't possible.

Point taken.

[Loonytik]

No 3.5MM Headphone jack? Really? If you were a developer and wanted to build a better phone, wouldn't you at least get the basic things correct?

Clunky, ugly, no push....no go.

Better luck next time Google.....moving along.

[Sabenth]

you know what heres a supprise ITS A BLOODY PHONE Sheesh!! who gives a crap whether or not its compertion for the iPhone apple dose things its way others do things there way. If you dont like it dont buy it if you do like it buy it simple as that ..... Were are the new macbooks !!!

P.S remind me i need to change my signature

[w00master]

Boo for no syncing. Boo for no integrated memory. Boo for no multi-touch. Boo for the still-clunky browser interface.

That's b/c the gPhone does syncing over the air, there's no reason to be tethered to a PC. If you really want syncing to a desktop, I'm sure there will be an app that does this.

However, it's locked to T-mobile, and as such, it's not going to pose a huge threat in the US space.

That's the way it is right now, but Verizon has also signed onto the Google Android platform. We'll see a gPhone on Verizon Wireless's network eventually. I wouldn't be surprised to eventually see one on AT&T as well.

[crees!]

-Video is supported by a (free) download from the marketplace.

That's the only way Google and TMobile will be able to say they had X number of downloads from their app store.

[fat phil]

Were are the new macbooks !!!

...right behind the gBook? Go on, shout at me :)

[naroola]

Engadget has now confirmed that the G1 has no 3.5mm headphone jack. Take a look http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/23/confirmed-t-mobile-g1-has-no-3-5mm-headphone-jack/

[w00master]

Engadget has now confirmed that the G1 has no 3.5mm headphone jack. Take a look http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/23/confirmed-t-mobile-g1-has-no-3-5mm-headphone-jack/

Now this is truly the first legitimate complaint on the gPhone. No 3.5 mm jack? REALLY stoopid. This is about as stupid as the 1G iPhone's recessed headphone jack, but only stupider (yes, I used that word).

[chr1s60]

Seems like an ok phone. Not a bad price, gmail push is nice, and of course copy/paste. No exchange is bad and we'll see how the android market goes. Does this phone have MMS?

I don't see why removable battery is listed as a big feature, IMO that is hardly a must have feature. I've owned 8 different cell phones and the only one I ever got a new battery for was my Nokia 5190 and that was just because I wanted a battery with vibrate.

[shk718]

its not quite as open a phone as google claimed it would be - its locked to tmobile - i can't use it on any other network. it has a Propriety headphone jack. you MUST have a gmail account to make it work. no exchage support. limited memory (they say 8gig is the max).

[iMACTASTIC]

WELCOME Tghetto

[MagnusVonMagnum]

Regarding the "competition is good" mantra, I think this bears repeating:

Competitive pressures are not the engine of Apple's quality.


Well, that's your OPINION, but the fact is that consumer 'whining' as it were clearly does affect Apple's decisions, especially when it's loud and widespread. Consumers got Apple Store credits when they dropped their iPhone price so soon after launch. Various features people have complained loudly about in both the Mac and iPhone markets have magically appeared shortly after certain news sites have made stinks about it (keyboard bug on laptops, crashes on iPhone, backup times on iPhone, etc.) Certain security risks and bugs get addressed rather suddenly after a stink is raised. Apple may not acknowledge its shortcomings or its imperfections, but it certainly does hear the noise of the crowd when it gets loud enough and that is all the better for its products. Frankly, I think it's pretty naive to believe Apple would strive to fix bugs and correct defects in a timely manner if competitive pressures did not exist. Apple does not want to lose customers, especially given it has far less customers to begin with than say Microsoft so it has less it can afford to lose. Thus, I would say it's correct to assume that Google's products will be a kick in the pants for Apple to try harder and not soon enough.

The replaceable battery issue alone might be enough for some to go Google instead. It's pretty obvious that Apple doesn't want it consumer replaceable because they make a steady profit charging $80 to replace a $20 battery. Frankly, Apple has many practices of trying to squeeze more money out of a consumer by withholding features until MUCH MUCH higher price levels (e.g. expandable hardware and replaceable GPU only at the $2300+ level, when $400 PCs normally all have that capability). It would do good to force Apple back down to Earth on these kinds of issues. I'm afraid that losing sales is the only language companies like Apple understand when it comes to addressing such issues.

A good example is AppleTV. It wasn't selling very well at all and consumers were demanding more functionality and things like movie rentals and voila, Steve admitted that's what consumers were asking for and so AppleTV 2.0 suddenly had HD movie rentals. If consumers demanded loudly enough for a web browser for AppleTV, I think you'd suddenly find SafariTV in 3.0. If consumers don't demand it, Apple isn't likely to provide it.

Eh?

Why would Apple sue T-Mobile?
Why would Nintendo sue Apple?

Really, please, tell me...:)

I believe the person I was replying to suggested Apple might sue them for using an accelerometer in their phone. I was simply saying the US Patent system is goofy enough to allow people to patent 'ideas' even if they're not inventions yet and even if there is no technical data provided. Take a look at some patents some time, even Apple's. So even though accelerometers have been around for ages and while I don't think it's likely, it wouldn't shock me either if Apple tried to claim a patent 'use' of one in their products that makes it 'unique'. Look at some of their recent patents and you can plainly see ideas of combining technologies together. They already exist, but they want to patent how they connect them together. Personally, I think that's ridiculous to allow that sort of thing but then Apple themselves got sued and agreed to license thereafter a patent regarding visual voice mail. I think it's ridiculous from both ends. Just because you think of something, that doesn't mean you can implement it or that someone else can't implement it another way. Imagine if someone patented a computer laptop in the early '80s. They'd be richer than Bill Gates by now. Yes, I imagine connecting a monitor to a keyboard and a battery and then no one else can do it without paying me. Ridiculous. That's a far cry from inventing a SPECIFIC process to convert solar energy into electricity, for example. And even then, it had better WORK before a patent is granted, in my opinion, but it doesn't seem to work that way, which is why I say it's ridiculous and someone might as well patent a warp drive.

[corygreenwell]

its not quite as open a phone as google claimed it would be - its locked to tmobile - i can't use it on any other network. it has a Propriety headphone jack. you MUST have a gmail account to make it work. no exchage support. limited memory (they say 8gig is the max).

I think you misunderstand - Android is open for any network, it's the phone that is locked to T-Mobile. I believe that software developers can develop for Android and as other hardware devices come out, they will be able to use the same applications. There will be more phones using the Android platform, and once that is the case, you can get the Android platform on any carrier...though the devices may differ. Remember that Google cannot really promise what handset manufacturers will produce...only the interoperability of the platform (provided that they adopt it, which of course most all will)

[kalafalas]

wow that looks like a jankey piece of **** blackberry trying to be an iPhone and failing

but wait? copy and paste?

oh no

[NeoMayhem]

While the OS looks pretty good, they made some big mistakes with this device. If they really wanted to compete with the iPhone, why didnt they fix all the things apple did wrong?

Good:
Gmail integration/wireless syncing
Copy/paste
(more) open platform
Amazon MP3 Store (DRM suck, otherwise iTunes is better)

Bad:
No headphone jack (wtf were they thinking?)
Locked (although I am sure it will be hacked)
No bluetooth audio
No video recording
Crappy browser

[stuy119]

So, explain to me this. What if you had to text someone your friend's address and you didn't know it from the top of your head? Don't you think it's a little annoying to have to go to your contacts, then either write the address down or attempt to memorize it, go back to SMS then type it all out again?

That's just ONE example.

Also, people bring up data detectors. Sorry, but Apple CANNOT build data detectors for everything. Additionally, much of what data detectors does ONLY GOES ONE WAY. Other apps CANNOT (at this moment) data detectors. Which is WHY data detectors are not a legitimate argument against copy and paste.

Most of you who don't "care about" copy and paste, aren't seeing the big picture. If you use the argument that the iPhone is essentially a mini computer, then this should give you the reasoning why copy and paste is necessary. You may not find it necessary RIGHT NOW, but down the line it is 100% essential. I want to be able to copy information from one app to another. Right now, this is not possible with the Jesus Phone. It's absolutely crazy on why it isn't possible.

That's also what drives some of us crazy about the iPhone. It's designed and marketed as an all-in-one mini-computer, but it doesn't have an ability to create or edit documents, spreadsheets, or presentations, nor does it have the complete ability to email said files when they are stored on your phone (via a 3rd party files system, I might add).

While the push and Exchange email functions help to get this into a business user's hands, it isn't the ideal phone for some of us who need these functions instead of carrying around a laptop. This is why I'm considering buying another Treo 750 with WM instead of the 3G iPhone, as much as I would rather get the 3G.

And as nice as a 3rd party app for Documents To Go would be, its really old technology. Why can't Apple and MS come to an agreement to let people buy Word, Excel, PowerPoint for the iPhone, or make iWork available for the iPhone, with the ability to convert to PDF? Until that day comes, the iPhone will never be a fixture in the business world with the marketshare that Jobs desires.

[decimortis]

I'd love an "abort" button when sending SMS. Happened twice already that an SMS to my loved one went to someone else because the receipient name is only really apparent when the message is on it's way. And there's no way to abort, can't even turn the phone off quickly enough.

I know it sounds dumb, but I usually I go into SMS, then there's already a conversation open, I start typing adn tap "send". Does anyone know a solution to this?

I hear that! A couple of times I've hit send by accident then just "nooooooooooo" in that slow motion voice while the progress bar plods across the screen.

[SILVER13ACK]

I triple agree -- and it's all thanks to Apple design. For example:

1. Need to email a Web page? You can do so from Safari. No need to copy and paste the URL.

2. Need to dial a number? Just tap it and the Phone application dials it. No need to copy and paste it into the Phone application.

I don't think Apple gets enough credit for some of this clever design.

I completely disagree.

Just the other day, I got an email with a UPS tracking number, but it wasn't a link...just the number. So what did I do? I waited till I got home to check the tracking number.

If I had copy/paste, I couldve have looked it up right where I was.

[NAG]

I think you misunderstand - Android is open for any network, it's the phone that is locked to T-Mobile. I believe that software developers can develop for Android and as other hardware devices come out, they will be able to use the same applications. There will be more phones using the Android platform, and once that is the case, you can get the Android platform on any carrier...though the devices may differ. Remember that Google cannot really promise what handset manufacturers will produce...only the interoperability of the platform (provided that they adopt it, which of course most all will)

No, I think you misunderstand. Android was hailed as the epitome of open for all the foss geeks. This phone shows that Android is anything but open. It was locked down. Do you think any of the other phones will be any different?

[Rojo]

Android has a few things I want to see in the iPhone:

1. The top bar which can scroll down at any time in any app to reveal current info such as new sms, email, event etc. This would be useful in the iphone, currently you have to exit out of an app to read sms' etc. which is not ideal.

2. The main screen showing whatever widget you want, with a quick swipe from the bottom to reveal your apps. This is quite clean and the iPhone would benefit from it, so you can see main info such as event and sms notification on the main screen.

3. Copy/paste. Enough said.

4. Street view with Compass mode, this would be an awesome addition to the iPhone maps app.

These are the exact four things that caught my eye (although C&P is really not a big deal for me, just nice to have). Oh wait, the 3.1 megapixel camera was nice too. Everything else was "eh," or the iPhone did better.

I predict the iPhone will get a better way of organizing homescreens soon -- I can't see Apple sticking with the same layout forever. With the more apps you have, the harder it is to navigate. I'll bet money that Apple gives us more organizing options in a future update. The "street view" with maps is the only thing I'm really jealous about. I love this feature, and hope Google allows Apple to do something similar -- but doubt they will.

The Android Market is going to be a disaster, no question about it....

[isoceles]

As I stated on another thread. Who is going to buy this ugly a$$ brick?

[NoExpectations]

Bleh that's old news, and the competition is over, and the finalists aren't any more impressive than most of the free "junkware" on App Store.

Finalists:
http://code.google.com/android/adc_gallery/index.html#3

I'm sure the "I AM RICH" software developer is hard at work creating the version for the ANDROID Platform. Can hardly wait. :)

[spidermitch]

While it may be slightly narrower than the iPhone, it looked kind of thick. I've not dug up dimensions on both, so feel free to flame me :-)

I thought hard keyboards were a thing of the past. Seems like a step backwards to me... I've hated the ones I've had in the past. I'm converted on the soft keyboard of the iPhone.

It's cool, but not enough to make me jealous. For a first gen, I think they have a good start. However, I believe Apple oftentimes releases features "when needed" and they usually have a lot in the pipeline just waiting for the right time.

I don't think the iPhone is perfect, but I do think the introduction of the iPhone really had a "wow" factor. Android... not so much. Sort of, "yeah, been there, seen that...next". I think Apple does a better job at keeping things under wraps and generally (no need to start siting contrary evidence) unveils products that are not "beta"-esque, but rather near completion. The G1 felt very "proto-typical".

[Sabenth]

this is from the bbc website .....


The first device to run the search giant's operating system will feature a touch screen as well as a Qwerty keyboard.
It will be available for free on T-Mobile tariffs of over £40 a month and includes unlimited net browsing.
Other features include a three megapixel camera, a 'one click' contextual search and a browser that users can zoom in on by tapping the screen.
why isnt the camera mentioned in the artical


still have to agree this is more for the iphone area of the site but hey ho

[Westside guy]

Crap. I was reading along and thinking "hey this looks kinda cool - I might want to get one". I'm on T-Mobile, and am overdue for a new phone. But then... no headphone jack, just a proprietary dongle? What's with that? If they've been that stupid in that regard, there are very likely other dumb design decisions HTC has made. No, thanks.

I've got an iPod Touch, and like it a lot. I'd love to have an iPhone, but I just don't use the "phone" all that much - it just doesn't make sense to pay the absurd monthly fee associated with the plan(s) AT&T requires. Guess I'm still stuck with two devices for the forseeable future...

[JesterJJZ]

Give me an iPhone with a numeric keypad and I'm sold.

[ryanwarsaw]

What I find interesting is what happens to the stability of the platform when a developer has to develop for multiple devices?

One game developer who's name escapes me (apparently one of the more popular iPhone game devs) says he has no interest in developing for the Android, due to its eventual hardware diversity. 6 months programming, 6 months debugging various devices.

Gotsta find the link, just read that yesterday......

Also, the lack of approval process is a double-edged sword. Sure it's benefits are obvious; no dictator-like final approval. But what happens when the "crap" starts trickling into the Store?

With the current app store approval process only the crap trickles in while useful apps like netshare and podcaster don't make it.

[NAG]

The megapixel myth. (http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.htm)

And yes, some good apps don't meet Apple's arbitrary approval (unfortunately). That is a far way away from no good apps meeting that approval. At the same time Apple doesn't approve some pretty horrid apps. I wonder what that ratio is.

[whooleytoo]

I completely disagree.

Just the other day, I got an email with a UPS tracking number, but it wasn't a link...just the number. So what did I do? I waited till I got home to check the tracking number.

If I had copy/paste, I couldve have looked it up right where I was.

I've had similar cases which were really awkward, such as being emailed my username & password for a website. Too awkward to memorise a long random string of letters and numbers before switching to the browser, so I just left it until I got home.

Not good.

[Plutonius]

Here's what you don't get. Until Apple does this, I will continue to buy my songs from Amazon, and *not* iTunes.

The DRM problem is Apple's, not mine.

Here is what you don't get. The labels are NOT letting Apple sell DRM free music. It is Apple's problem but the music will never be DRM free until the label's agree to it. You might as well keep buying from Amazon since the label's want Amazon to take business away from Apple and I can't see things changing.

[Daniel0418]

I think the phone definitley needs work. I am excited to see what the next phone will be like because I don't like the memory card thing although it is not that big of deal. I also don't like that there isn't a headphone jack and there are a few other features it lacks. I am very eager to get rid of my iphone due to its lack of basic function but the G1 still is missing some things I would love to have in a phone.

P.S. a dream come true would be if apple added every feature of the g1 that the iphone doesn't have. "Copy/Paste, MMS, Street view, an actual backround for the desktop itself, allowing it view microsoft documents and PDF, all the bluetooth capabilities the iPhone lacks, and the 3.1 megapixel camera"... wow I do love all those features.. I don't know I will definitely have to play with a G1 when they come out.

::NOTE:: Oh and maybe the G1's chrome browser will not crash all the time like iPhone's Safari.

[Ntombi]

No desktop application to sync? I'm not impressed.
Exactly.

Even if I didn't have an iPhone, I wouldn't consider this at all; I need desktop integration, like I've had for years already.

That, plus the lack of 3.5 mm jack and the fact that it offers hardly anything I wasn't already getting on my Palm Treo makes it a nonstarter for me. I agree with whomever called it a consumer, not a business phone, though I would just say it's not a real smartphone, it's a "fun" phone with extra features and a keyboard. And not that impressive even for that.

Too bad. Maybe the next Android phone will be more business-friendly. Or maybe they aren't planning on targeting that market?

[zacman]

You can get 8GB card that will fit in that phone for under $20? I seriously doubt it.

Just checked for Germany. You can get a SanDisk 8GB micro SD card for 17,50 eur, that's around 25usd according to google. This price already includes 19% VAT. Without VAT it's ~21USD. I'm sure there are cheaper dealers than Amazon though. So < 20USD shouldn't be a problem.

[NAG]

At that price they have to target business eventually. Most consumers don't throw that kind of money around for a phone.

[ErikCLDR]

Too bad T-mobile service sucks in much of the United States.

[Wolfpup]

The lack of a normal headphone jack stinks, and it'll take some time for software to flourish (though it's not really far behind the iPhone/Touch platform, and will probably develop faster since it's open), but I hope I can have one of these within a few years on my carrier.

This seems like a really nice start to me! I wasn't sure where Android was going to lead, but the actual first result is a lot more/better than I was expecting.

[Wolfpup]

Too bad T-mobile service sucks in much of the United States.

Not according to Consumer Reports. In most markets it was the best or second best carrier, kind of flip flopping with Verizon. WAY better than AT&T on average, though of course you're going to find exceptions to everything.

I'm on a huge "regional" carrier (U.S. Cellular) that destroys both T-Mobile and Verizon's coverage though, but I'd be okay with either of them.

[Lastaria]

Seems quite good. I would say it could easily become the big competitor for the iPhone, and it does have some advantages. But it does not appear as sleep or well designed in the end. Apple may see what goes well for this and use it in their next iPhone models.

If the iPhone did not exist I would certain consider getting one. But as it does that will be the next phone I still buy.

[rneglia]

Music player looked like it came from the 80s.


I liked the 80's. They should have made it look like this:

http://www.compareindia.com/media/images/2007/sep/img_16401_oldwalkman_large.jpg

[NoExpectations]

Do they (T-Mobile and Google) really think that they will sway a lot of consumers away from the iPhone ($199) by 'saving' them $20? There are simply too many deficiencies with this phone. Even if this Android Phone was on par with the iPhone, feature for feature, it still lacks the iPhone's "cool factor". No one will ever walk up to a teenager and say "Wow...an Android Phone!...where did you get that?!"

[alphaod]

so why can't gmail on the iphone be push?

I don't know, but Gmail pushes on my E71.

Not according to Consumer Reports. In most markets it was the best or second best carrier, kind of flip flopping with Verizon. WAY better than AT&T on average, though of course you're going to find exceptions to everything.

I'm on a huge "regional" carrier (U.S. Cellular) that destroys both T-Mobile and Verizon's coverage though, but I'd be okay with either of them.

I hear Telus is amazing; too bad, I don't live in Canada.

[owen-b]

Absolutely hideous handset. Really, genuinely, utterly hideous - that's supposed to be an iPhone killer? Copy and paste, sure, but the rest? Get real.

A real shock. I was expecting something cool from Google.

[w00master]

Here is what you don't get. The labels are NOT letting Apple sell DRM free music.

No, it seems to me, you don't get it. I DON'T CARE. I'll buy from Amazon until iTunes starts offering more DRM free music. So, again, how is this my problem and not Apple's?


It is Apple's problem but the music will never be DRM free until the label's agree to it.

See? You actually agree with me. Again, how is this my problem and not Apple's?

You might as well keep buying from Amazon since the label's want Amazon to take business away from Apple and I can't see things changing.

So, how does this change my situation again? I've been buying from Amazon, and I will continue to do so. Their UI design is more than adequate, and I get DRM free music. Win for me. Again, why is this my problem and not Apple's?

[paolo-]

Some comments in this topic are quite funny.

The whole copy/paste debate kinda makes me think of single button/two button mouse. I don't think anyone would think it would be a BAD thing if apple did put a copy function. While you're at it. you could just skip the whole iPhone and just use your computer and pay-phones... :rolleyes: it's just potential waiting to be used.

It's exactly that potential that makes me like Android. I haven't read much about it but I think it's fully open.

Sure, the GUI is fugly. But making it pretty isn't all that hard when you think of it. Adding base function, background apps or modification to the os is what that could make it have alot of potential.

Most of you are going to say that that is exactly like a PC linux os, and we all know that aren't all that great. But, you see, a computer is a much bigger machine that should do much more than a phone. Developing for a phone means smaller apps, exactly what open source developers are great at.

See where I am getting to? Android users will have choice, and probably lots of it. In desktop linux, there are hundreds of guis, graphical interfaces just about everything. And they are all bundled into distributions, wich could be Google's role, picking out awesome apps and putting them in the latest Android (and also making them work together like), on top of developing their own stuff.

If planned right, Android could end up being better than mac phone os and it's windows counterpart. It just needs to get it's ball rolling...

[WBrasington]

No, it seems to me, you don't get it. I DON'T CARE. I'll buy from Amazon until iTunes starts offering more DRM free music. So, again, how is this my problem and not Apple's?




See? You actually agree with me. Again, how is this my problem and not Apple's?



So, how does this change my situation again? I've been buying from Amazon, and I will continue to do so. Their UI design is more than adequate, and I get DRM free music. Win for me. Again, why is this my problem and not Apple's?


You just let me know when that great Amazon solution works everywhere in the world.
Until then, we'll just see what the music solution for an Android phone is going to look like everywhere else.

[joemama]

MMS is yesterday's technology. It will go the same way as WAP.

Um, no, it's not. Perhaps people with iPhones who EMAIL other iPhone users believe that, but the 90-plus percent of us send video texts.

Down the road, yes, it will change, but not for at least another 2 years or so. What's better, being stubborn, or getting more sales?

It's one of the reasons I'm waiting to buy an iPhone.

[w00master]

You just let me know when that great Amazon solution works everywhere in the world.
Until then, we'll just see what the music solution for an Android phone is going to look like everywhere else.

Hey, I feel for you there. I was (insensitively) talking from a US only perspective. In your case, I do understand.

[jbernie]

its not quite as open a phone as google claimed it would be - its locked to tmobile - i can't use it on any other network. it has a Propriety headphone jack. you MUST have a gmail account to make it work. no exchage support. limited memory (they say 8gig is the max).

Though not necessarily elegant in the sense of it being an all in one package, you do have the ability to have multiple memory cards and expand at your own pace. Personally I would prefer to not carry multiple memory cards around, but it sure beats having to buy a completely new device to get extra storage, your memory upgrade path isn't influenced by your carriers willingness to let you upgrade either.

As to having to have a gmail account. Shrug. I don't need or want one, but as it is free, sign up and don't use it.

As to the tmobile only, the OS isn't locked to a carrier, the particular handset that has been released is. Any carrier can release an Android based handset if they so choose. AT&T may not go for it as they have the iPhone, but the other carriers can be quite interested.

[Mazda 3s]

I think that a lot of people are missing a key fact here...

The T-Mobile G1 is not the "de-facto" "end-all-be-all" of Android-based phones. This is NOT the only Android based phone that will be released. Quite the contrary, this is just the beginning.

This isn't like the iPhone where you have basically one phone that is design locked and carrier locked for basically a year until the next generation comes out.

We will be seeing phones from the likes of Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T all using different designs. So if you think this one is ugly, well unlike with Apple, there will be a number of differing designs to choose from.

So if you don't like the G1's "fugly looks" or lack of a headphone jack, well fine -- there will be other Android phones out there to suit your needs.

To simply look at the T-Mobile G1 and damn the whole Android platform is pretty idiotic.

[w00master]

As to the tmobile only, the OS isn't locked to a carrier, the particular handset that has been released is. Any carrier can release an Android based handset if they so choose. AT&T may not go for it as they have the iPhone, but the other carriers can be quite interested.

This is exactly correct. I do know that VZW is eventually planning to release an android based phone as well.

AT&T has not said outright, but I would not be surprised if AT&T eventually releases one as well.

[NAG]

The lack of a normal headphone jack stinks, and it'll take some time for software to flourish (though it's not really far behind the iPhone/Touch platform, and will probably develop faster since it's open), but I hope I can have one of these within a few years on my carrier.

This seems like a really nice start to me! I wasn't sure where Android was going to lead, but the actual first result is a lot more/better than I was expecting.

That it being open means faster development is a complete farce. Have you seen bug trackers for open source projects? And this is ignoring the whole myth that the iphone is 100% closed (hint: it isn't). Open or closed, it says nothing of the speed of development.

[EMT123]

Are we feeling threatened/nervous with the introduction of this device :confused::confused:

[milani]

Copy and Paste! What a kick in the pants.

Good. Now Apple has no choice but to implement its own C&P system.

[NAG]

Good. Now Apple has no choice but to implement its own C&P system.

They always said copy and paste was on their list for future features. They just said it wasn't high priority (with high priority being things like stability and push notifications...which I agree with, I'd rather have a functional IM app than copy and paste at this point).

[Mazda 3s]

I agree with whomever called it a consumer, not a business phone, though I would just say it's not a real smartphone, it's a "fun" phone with extra features and a keyboard. And not that impressive even for that.
Hmmm, sounds JUST like the first generation iPhone. But look what happened a year later for the iPhone!! Better corporate support, App Store, iTunes Music Store, etc.

It'd be great if people would give Google the same chance/opportunity, but I guess that's asking too much... :rolleyes:

[milani]

They always said copy and paste was on their list for future features. They just said it wasn't high priority (with high priority being things like stability and push notifications...which I agree with, I'd rather have a functional IM app than copy and paste at this point).

Yes, and my point is that now it's going to be on the list of high-priority things to get done. As far as push vs. copy and paste, I'd rather see copy and paste over push. Push has some uses, but copy and paste has far more uses for the average user. Really though, I expect to see both features in the next significant release, and it shouldn't be a one or the other scenario anyway - when you think about it, they both fall into the same category of allowing types of background processes for both native and App Store applications.

[bboucher790]

I think that a lot of people are missing a key fact here...

The T-Mobile G1 is not the "de-facto" "end-all-be-all" of Android-based phones. This is NOT the only Android based phone that will be released. Quite the contrary, this is just the beginning.

This isn't like the iPhone where you have basically one phone that is design locked and carrier locked for basically a year until the next generation comes out.

We will be seeing phones from the likes of Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T all using different designs. So if you think this one is ugly, well unlike with Apple, there will be a number of differing designs to choose from.

So if you don't like the G1's "fugly looks" or lack of a headphone jack, well fine -- there will be other Android phones out there to suit your needs.

To simply look at the T-Mobile G1 and damn the whole Android platform is pretty idiotic.

True, but the web browser on the Android platform is GARBAGE. If you look at the video comparison to the iPhone, the browser on the G1 cannot compete. That has little to do with the phone, and more to do with the software. I'm sure it will get better over time, but first impressions are important, as shown by the iPhone, and this device isn't giving a good first impression.

Overall, not very impressed. The software looks like "good" phone software, whereas the iPhone revolutionized phone software. Android doesn't seem to be the as good as people had stated.

Maybe now that Google is requiring you to sign up for Gmail, they can get Gmail out of its beta phase :p. Kind of strange that you need to join a "beta" to get a phone.

[Ntombi]

Hmmm, sounds JUST like the first generation iPhone. But look what happened a year later for the iPhone!! Better corporate support, App Store, iTunes Music Store, etc.

It'd be great if people would give Google the same chance/opportunity, but I guess that's asking too much... :rolleyes:
And I didn't buy the iPhone last year either. ;)

[Mazda 3s]

And I didn't buy the iPhone last year either. ;)

:D

[NightFlight]

I like and dislike it. I would never buy this over an iPhone though, this meaning the first Android phone...

Problems:

-No headphone jack
-T-Mobiles network is crap around here
-The device looks cheap
-MP3 player is very basic

[antielectrons]

Anyone know what the music is that accompanies the flash presentation on the G1 site?

[Sky Blue]

This phone is the Zune of smart phones.

[compuguy1088]

1 GB is a breaking point for me. I'm almost out of room on my iPhone, and it has 16 times as much storage. If they want people to install a bunch of apps, they need some serious storage on this thing.

The good thing about the phone is the fact you can upgrade the storage up to 8 gigabytes....though a maximum of 16 would be nicer.

[inkswamp]

Question: does anyone know the details of how they are implementing the copy/paste?

Not sure if you're asking about the UI or the actual implementation, but...

I can tell you, somewhat in Apple's defense, that it's not nearly as easy as it sounds. In OS X, the clipboard is actually fairly complex and can hold multiple versions of a given thing. For example, if you highlight a file in the Finder and copy it and then try to paste that in to TextEdit or BBEdit or another Finder location, what happens? In TextEdit, you get the contents of the file. In another Finder window, you get a copy of the file. In BBEdit, you get the name of the file.

Well, how does that work? When you copy a single thing, the Finder creates multiple versions of it behind-the-scenes. Whether you're dealing with graphics or text or music, there are multiple different versions things being copied, but not always the same versions (e.g., graphics don't have a "name.") When you request that an application paste something from the clipboard, it looks for the most likely version it can handle and uses it.

Now, scale that down to a phone and consider some of the issues that need to be figured out in an environment like the iPhone's. I don't think Apple's stalling or playing games when they say it's going to take some time to implement and I doubt if the UI is the biggest hurdle (which everyone seems overly focused on.) There's a lot to sort out, and if it's done wrong, it's going to cause more headaches than not having that feature at all.

[stuy119]

Hmmm, sounds JUST like the first generation iPhone. But look what happened a year later for the iPhone!! Better corporate support, App Store, iTunes Music Store, etc.

It'd be great if people would give Google the same chance/opportunity, but I guess that's asking too much... :rolleyes:

The iPhone is still lacking in the business functionality department, with the inability to edit/create documents, spreadsheets, presentations and the inability to email files (other than pictures).

This wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if you could tether, but you can't (unless you were lucky to get NetShare).

[MacbookSwitcher]

The G1 is un-aesthetic. Not ugly, but not sleek. The flip design is intimidating, not as welcoming and easy to use as the iphone.
Calendars and Contacts are tied to Google. This brings up privacy issues since everything must be stored on Google servers. On the iPhone you can keep everything private and local.
When will they start putting Google ads on this thing, since it is a Google product?
No headphone jack.
With the movable swivel screen, it's going to be much easier to break.


I don't see this thing taking too many sales away from the iPhone. Perhaps if a sleeker, thinner, "Privacy-edition" comes out, maybe.

[compuguy1088]

"I may be paranoid but I am no android"

Marvin the Paranoid Android! I cannot ever forget him :D

[urbanlung]

-Video is supported by a (free) download from the marketplace.

-I'm sure the interface will be customised to hell in the first few weeks.

-"Just like the N95..." I've been watching my 3G iPhone crash from buggy marketplace apps ever since I bought it. You're in for a LONG wait if you think a Perfect World is about to descend upon us all...

Probably best not to throw rocks until you see a worthwhile crack to aim at.

Personally I think it looks like a turd, but then so does my mate's wife - but she's a great cook.

ho ho ho.

[bigwig]

Here is what you don't get. The labels are NOT letting Apple sell DRM free music. It is Apple's problem but the music will never be DRM free until the label's agree to it. You might as well keep buying from Amazon since the label's want Amazon to take business away from Apple and I can't see things changing.
Why is everybody complaining about DRM instead of "no lossless tracks"?

[MacbookSwitcher]

Why is everybody complaining about DRM instead of "no lossless tracks"?

Because they want to be able to give their music to their friends for free and avoid paying artists for their work.

[Foxer]

Why is everybody complaining about DRM instead of "no lossless tracks"?


Hear, Hear! I'd take a DRM "crippled" lossless track over a DRM free lossy file any day.

In the meantime, I go back and forth. Amazon's DRM free tracks are appealling, but Apple will eventually get everything over to iTunes Plus, which will mean better fidelity. Anything I've bought from iTunes prior to that, I assume, will be eligible for an upgarde to a DRM-free Plus track.

[cal6n]

This phone is the Zune of smart phones.

Oh, it won't be that bad...

More like the ubuntu of smartphones. Mostly working, most of the time, but subtly broken in many, minor, irritating ways that go mysteriously unsolved due to open source politics and mind-games.

Mark my words. You read it here first! :)

[robanga]

Not overly impressed. Still...it is the first one.

Let's hope that this first effort is like the what the Motorola ROKR was to the Apple phone aspirations.

[adul250]

wow...i like it...just wished it looked better and had better features as the iphone.. haha

ill like to see what other phones they'll bring out for iphones competition

[lmcintyre]

Wow! A touchscreen phone with:

an app store
a music store
a media player
an accelerometer
"swipe" gestures to change between home pages
google maps
sub- $200 entry point



Remind you of anything?

[Adjei]

So this is the Android phone we've been hearing so much about, not impressed. :rolleyes:

[motoracer1486]

I really wanted to get the new G1 phone because honestly, I'm getting tired of the iPhone. I was hoping it would have much better features than it has...oh well, guess I'll have to wait for a future Android phone that will give the iPhone a run for its money. :(

[xavpil]

They just have no style! :D


They're just UGLY!!!
Not that I care, but I was expecting better from Google.
I always thought that their Google search page was kindda ok looking, but I put it on the 'cool' factor, thinking that it was intentionally that way. In fact it was not... Google people ARE geeks...

[Michael CM1]

Did someone find an old Palm Pilot and put new software on it? Fugly.

For everybody who thinks that some open-source operating system is going to revolutionize the cell phone industry, I have one word: Linux. It may or may not be better than Windows and Mac OS, but I don't know anybody who isn't a fellow uber nerd who has Linux. The phone platform is a little different since it doesn't take a huge company to develop software for it, but Apple already has a huge leg up on that and, well, who has T-Mobile? AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint are the big boys in the US. T-Mobile kinda wants to be. Had this been done on Verizon or Sprint, I could see some potential. But alas, nope.

As for the whiners who point out that it has cut & paste: does it have an iPod built in? Nope. Epic fail. Don't go telling me it'll have some also-ran media player in there. This will likely cut into the BlackBerry segment a bit, but BlackBerry and iPhone will be the it devices.

[Michael CM1]

Hear, Hear! I'd take a DRM "crippled" lossless track over a DRM free lossy file any day.

In the meantime, I go back and forth. Amazon's DRM free tracks are appealling, but Apple will eventually get everything over to iTunes Plus, which will mean better fidelity. Anything I've bought from iTunes prior to that, I assume, will be eligible for an upgarde to a DRM-free Plus track.

Unless I'm mistaken, aren't iTunes Plus songs still lossy? I tried ripping a CD in the Apple Lossless format once and they took up a TON of space (maybe 75% of a completely uncompressed file). I think iTunes Plus is 192kbps AAC whereas Amazon is 256kbps MP3.

I don't hold that same hope for DRM-free songs on iTunes. I especially don't appreciate the 30 cents they want to charge for upgrading when the songs are THE SAME PRICE NOW. I'm really glad that Amazon is figuring out this digital audio business so it will push Apple to be better.

[NAG]

Oh, it won't be that bad...

More like the ubuntu of smartphones. Mostly working, most of the time, but subtly broken in many, minor, irritating ways that go mysteriously unsolved due to open source politics and mind-games.

Mark my words. You read it here first! :)

I've been saying this all along so no, you didn't read it here first. :p