Just like a lot of VIBE.com readers out there I’ve been waiting on the Google phone for well over a year. During that time there have been countless rumors, blog posts and even a video displaying the earliest version of the Android platform.
Yesterday all the rumors were put to rest at a high profile press conference in Manhattan where Google and T-Mobile head honchos came together publically to introduce the T-Mobile G1 (hyperlink t-mobileg1.com).
Already dubbed as the iPhone and Blackberry killer, the G1 (which is made by Taiwanese company HTC) has had more hype than the Carter III. Whether it will live up to such hype remains to be seen. Thus far the pros seem to heavily outweigh the cons but the real true test will be when users get their hands on the phone when it’s released on October 22nd of this year. Until then check out a preview of the hottest phone to hit shelves this year.
First off I must say the price is right: the G1 is going to retail for $179.99 with a 2-year contract, which is 20 bucks cheaper than the entry level iPhone and much cheaper than the Blackberry Bold. As expected the Android powered phone will come equipped with Google Maps Streetview, YouTube, Gmail and 1-touch access to the companies search engine.
The real possibilities will be unlocked via the Android marketplace. The platform is set up so that users can create programs for the phone without any interference from Google. Those applications can be downloaded to the marketplace and any user will be able to add them to their phone. The program is likely to be a breath of fresh air for those who have tired of Apple’s stringent control of iPhone applications. The G1 also sets itself apart from the iPhone by featuring a full QWERTY keyboard located beneath the screen.
At the end of the day all the pomp and circumstance is cute but what most users really want from a Smartphone is easy, reliable and fast communication and the G1 seems to be set up for just that. Powered by a 3g network, the phone allows easy syncing of Gmail, Pop3 or IMAP email services. It also works easily with Google Talk, AOL, Yahoo and Windows Live Messenger services.
There are a few glaring missteps with the first generation G1. There is no headphone jack (which is common theme with HTC produced phones). Unless you spend a lot of time listening to music on your phone this might not be a big deal but why G1 is the first phone to feature an application that allows users to download and browse DRM-free music directly from their MP3 store considering you can’t listen to it with standard headphones is a bit confusing to me.
Also there is no desktop syncing, which means in order to back up changes to your calendar or phonebook users will have to go through Google contacts to do so. This will probably be very annoying for hardcore Blackberry users who make the switch.
Aside from YouTube there is no video recording or playback on the phone. Developers will most likely create both but in this day and age that’s something that most users want fresh out of the box.
Overall October 22nd will still be a great day for gadget heads and people who like to keep up with the hottest accessory on the block and hey for 180 bucks who can blame them.
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