News
Google phone launch dates confirmed
Stuart O'Brien Sep 23 2008, 2:47pm
T-Mobile confirms October 22nd US launch of Android-powered smartphone. UK to follow in November.
The much anticipated G1 will be made available at select T-Mobile retail stores and online in the US beginning October 22nd for $179 with a two-year voice and data contract.
The HTC-built device will also be available from T-Mobile UK beginning in November, and across Europe in the first quarter of 2009. Countries include Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and the Netherlands.
G1 combines full touch-screen functionality and a QWERTY keyboard with 3G/EDGE/Wi-Fi and Google software including Google Maps Street View, Gmail and YouTube.
Speaking at this afternoon's press conference Cole Brodman, CTO and Innovation Officer at T-Mobile USA, said: "In the past we've seen the integration of the internet and mobile telephone fail us.
We're here today to change that... with a new device, operating system and services."
Andy Rubin, senior director of mobile platforms at Google, added: "Developers will be able to use Android as a platform, but they'll also be able to modify the platform and make it better. Therefore it's somewhat furture proof as it has openness built in."
The G1 will also come bundled with access to Android Market, a virtual store from which users can purchase and download content.
Apps showcased by T-Mobile today include ShopSavvy (price comparisons), Ecorio (carbon footprint calculator) and BreadCrumbz (geo tagging). Exciting stuff.
