US: Google unveils G1 Android phone

Posted by Lauren Drablier on September 24, 2008 at 8:06 AM

Google unveiled its new, much anticipated, T-Mobile G1 Android phone that is set to launch in the United States on October 22. The G1 is direct competition for Apple's iPhone, however according to Business Week, the G1 is set to take a very different path than its counterpart.

The phone hosts the Android operating system created by Google. It features a full Web browser and connects to the Internet with Wi-Fi technology. It has a large touch-screen and a full Qwerty keyboard. The GI will also have a music player which allows for downloads from Amazon.

According to Mossblog, the GI is tightly linked to Google's web-based email, contacts and calendar programs. Users must have a Google account to use the phone and it cannot sync with PC-based calendar programs. The G1 also hosts the Google Maps program with photographic street views of some locations.

Critics claim that the G1 is not as stylish as the iPhone. It is nearly 30% thicker and 20% heavier than the iPhone. It also lacks in multimedia capabilities and does not have a built in video player. In addition users will not be able to use standard stereo headphones with the G1.

According to Business Week, analysts predict that roughly 200,000-400,000 units will be sold this year. The G1 will be sold for $179 USD will a two-year contract.

The phone will be released by Deutsche Telekom in the U.K. on October 22 and elsewhere in Europe in 2009.

Sources: Business Week, Mossblog