Apple has been waiting too long for a contender to its title as world’s smartest smart phone, and now it has one in the shape of the T-Mobile G1, formerly known as the HTC Dream.
T-Mobile and Google officially launched the G1 this week in New York, and despite clearly sticking with the touchscreen interface, it’s every bit as revolutionary as the iPhone was this time a year ago. It’s not just exciting for the fact it marks the search giant’s entry into the mobile arena. No, read of for a full break down of all the most exciting features you’ll witness when the G1 launches in the UK in November, and the impact it’ll have on the future of mobiles…
First Google phone
The G1 is made by HTC, but all the headlines are down to the fact it’s the first phone to run Google’s brand new operating system, Android. Google has a reputation for rock solid code and usability, so expect this to run fast, and smoothly.
Not only that, but because Google owns so many useful splinter services, such as a little video site called Youtube, its perfectly integrated them for use on the G1. There’s GMail on the go, which even includes Google Talk to chat to your buddies in real time.
Open source operating system
Android is open source, which means the code is free and available for anyone to adapt. The upshot: developers across the world can harness the G1’s power, bountiful screen space (3.2 inches) and GPS to make every type of program imaginable, from fitness trackers to Twitter clients. Think the iPhone’s App Store, but free and with many more options.
The software development kit is already out, giving programmers a whole two months to fine tune applications before release, so expect a feast of freebies come launch.
The perfect mobile broadband
Super fast surfing is a given, with 3G, Wi-Fi and blisteringly fast HSDPA all accounted for, but the G1’s web browsing really makes it stand out. The phone’s magnifying glass function zooms in instantly, making regular web pages easily digestible on a mobile screen.
Combine that with what promise to be some exceptionally great value packages on T-Mobile, and you’re faced with a contender for best smartphone out there
Innovative keypad
It may be bulkier than the iPhone, but that’s only because it’s stealthily concealing a svelte slide-out full qwerty keyboard. Touchscreen interfaces make for intuitive web browsing, but can be nightmarish to write messages on for anyone with large hands or chubby fingers. The G1 gives you the best of both worlds, as well as a trackball for scrolling if you’re used to a BlackBerry.
Next-gen GPS
The G1’s GPS will guide you wherever you need to go - it’s satnav for your feet. That in itself isn’t new, and nor is integration with Google Maps on the G1’s lush 3.2-inch screen, even if it is nifty. But for those who can’t read a map from a no entry sign, the G1 takes orientation to another level, with Google Street View and a compass showing you exactly where you are. If you’re still lost with this thing, you probably need to go to the opticians.
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