T-Mobile's G1 Android phone to cost $179, available Oct 22
T-Mobile on Tuesday held a press conference to introduce the first mobile handset based on Google's Android platform -- the G1, which will retail for $179 when it goes on sale at select T-Mobile outlets and third party retailers on October 22nd.
The G1 (official website) includes a built-in compass, a 3-megapixel camera, a touchscreen that slides open to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard, and a trackball for more precise, one-handed navigation. The device will come SIM-locked to T-Mobile, with built-in support for the carrier's 3G and EDGE network as well as Wi-Fi.
Among the G1's software features is one-click contextual search that allows users to search the entire device with the touch of a finger, and version of Google's new Web browser called Chrome Lite that presents web pages in their natural form and lets users zoom in to expand any section by simply tapping on the screen.
Google Maps Street View
As is the case with Apple's iPhone, G1 users can instantly view maps and satellite imagery through an embedded version of Google Maps, as well as find local business and get driving directions.
The G1 also includes Google Maps Street View, which isn't available on the iPhone, allowing customers to explore cities at street-level virtually while on the go. The Google Maps feature syncs with the handset's built-in compass to allow users to view locations and navigate 360 degrees by simply moving the phone with their hand.
Email, IM
A rich HTML e-mail client syncs e-mail, calendar and contacts from Gmail as well as most other POP3 or IMAP e-mail services. The handset also supports Instant Messaging through Google Talk, as well as AOL, Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Live Messenger.
A promotional video for the HTC-developed T-Mobile G1.
Photo sharing and music downloads
Each G1 includes built-in support for YouTube and 3-megapixel camera that lets users attach and share pictures over email and MMS or download music from their favorite web sites. iTunes is not supported, however, as only DRM-free content purchased from the Apple download service will work with the handset.
Instead, T-Mobile has partnered with Apple rival Amazon.com, pre-loading each G1 with a new application developed by the online retailer that gives customers easy access to the Amazon MP3 digital music download store. Using the application, users can search, sample,Â*purchase and download music from Amazon MP3 directly to their device. Music downloads are only supported over Wi-Fi, however, but searching and sampling can be done anywhere a user has a cellular connection.
A guided tour of the G1 (part 1).
The G1 lacks a traditional headphone jack and instead requires a USB adapter for headphone connectivity.
Android Market
Being the first Android phone, the G1 is also the first phone to offer access to Android Market, a rival to Apple's App Store that hosts applications and mash ups of existing and new services from third-party developers.
When the G1 launches next month, "dozens of unique, first-of-a-kind Android applications will be available for download on Android Market," T-Mobile said, including:
ShopSavvy: an application designed to help people do comparative shopping. Users scan the UPC code of a product with their phoneÂ?s camera while they are shopping, and can instantly compare prices from online merchants and nearby local stores.Ecorio: a new application developed to help people keep track of their daily travels and view what their carbon footprint looks like. With access to tips and tricks, Ecorio allows users to record the steps they take throughout their day to help offset their impact on the environment.BreadCrumbz: a new application that enables people to create a step-by-step visual map using photos. Users can create their own routes, share them with friends or with the world.
A guided tour of the G1 (part 2).
Other features
Some of the G1's other features, compiled from coverage of the launch event earlier Tuesday, include a built-in accelerometer, support for viewing Office and PDF documents, the first mobile implementation of 'online presence' through GoogleTalk, and drag-and-drop photo support.
Pricing and availability
T-Mobile customers in the U.S. have the opportunity to pre-order the T-Mobile G1 starting today at www.T-MobileG1.com. The device will be available at select T-Mobile retail stores in 22 US markets beginning Oct. 22, for a price of $179 with a two-year voice and data agreement. A $35 per month data package will offer unlimited internet and text messaging, while a $25 package will include unlimited data but limited text messaging.
However, the fine print on T-Mobile's official G1 website says: "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."
The G1 will also be available in the United Kingdom beginning in November, and across Europe -- Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and the Netherlands -- in the first quarter of 2009.
A on-demand version the G1 launch event will be available from this link some time today.
The G1 (official website) includes a built-in compass, a 3-megapixel camera, a touchscreen that slides open to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard, and a trackball for more precise, one-handed navigation. The device will come SIM-locked to T-Mobile, with built-in support for the carrier's 3G and EDGE network as well as Wi-Fi.
Among the G1's software features is one-click contextual search that allows users to search the entire device with the touch of a finger, and version of Google's new Web browser called Chrome Lite that presents web pages in their natural form and lets users zoom in to expand any section by simply tapping on the screen.
Google Maps Street View
As is the case with Apple's iPhone, G1 users can instantly view maps and satellite imagery through an embedded version of Google Maps, as well as find local business and get driving directions.
The G1 also includes Google Maps Street View, which isn't available on the iPhone, allowing customers to explore cities at street-level virtually while on the go. The Google Maps feature syncs with the handset's built-in compass to allow users to view locations and navigate 360 degrees by simply moving the phone with their hand.
Email, IM
A rich HTML e-mail client syncs e-mail, calendar and contacts from Gmail as well as most other POP3 or IMAP e-mail services. The handset also supports Instant Messaging through Google Talk, as well as AOL, Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Live Messenger.
A promotional video for the HTC-developed T-Mobile G1.
Photo sharing and music downloads
Each G1 includes built-in support for YouTube and 3-megapixel camera that lets users attach and share pictures over email and MMS or download music from their favorite web sites. iTunes is not supported, however, as only DRM-free content purchased from the Apple download service will work with the handset.
Instead, T-Mobile has partnered with Apple rival Amazon.com, pre-loading each G1 with a new application developed by the online retailer that gives customers easy access to the Amazon MP3 digital music download store. Using the application, users can search, sample,Â*purchase and download music from Amazon MP3 directly to their device. Music downloads are only supported over Wi-Fi, however, but searching and sampling can be done anywhere a user has a cellular connection.
A guided tour of the G1 (part 1).
The G1 lacks a traditional headphone jack and instead requires a USB adapter for headphone connectivity.
Android Market
Being the first Android phone, the G1 is also the first phone to offer access to Android Market, a rival to Apple's App Store that hosts applications and mash ups of existing and new services from third-party developers.
When the G1 launches next month, "dozens of unique, first-of-a-kind Android applications will be available for download on Android Market," T-Mobile said, including:
ShopSavvy: an application designed to help people do comparative shopping. Users scan the UPC code of a product with their phoneÂ?s camera while they are shopping, and can instantly compare prices from online merchants and nearby local stores.Ecorio: a new application developed to help people keep track of their daily travels and view what their carbon footprint looks like. With access to tips and tricks, Ecorio allows users to record the steps they take throughout their day to help offset their impact on the environment.BreadCrumbz: a new application that enables people to create a step-by-step visual map using photos. Users can create their own routes, share them with friends or with the world.
A guided tour of the G1 (part 2).
Other features
Some of the G1's other features, compiled from coverage of the launch event earlier Tuesday, include a built-in accelerometer, support for viewing Office and PDF documents, the first mobile implementation of 'online presence' through GoogleTalk, and drag-and-drop photo support.
Pricing and availability
T-Mobile customers in the U.S. have the opportunity to pre-order the T-Mobile G1 starting today at www.T-MobileG1.com. The device will be available at select T-Mobile retail stores in 22 US markets beginning Oct. 22, for a price of $179 with a two-year voice and data agreement. A $35 per month data package will offer unlimited internet and text messaging, while a $25 package will include unlimited data but limited text messaging.
However, the fine print on T-Mobile's official G1 website says: "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."
The G1 will also be available in the United Kingdom beginning in November, and across Europe -- Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and the Netherlands -- in the first quarter of 2009.
A on-demand version the G1 launch event will be available from this link some time today.
Comments
- Apple could finally add trivial items like MMS, cut and paste. These are just fodder for iPhone complainers.
- AT&T might be encouraged to allow a broader range of applications on the iPhone.
- AT&T might get some price competition on their data plan... except for the totally LAME 1GB limit. I typically use 1-2GB/mo on my iPhone so the T-Mobile limit makes their data plan unworkable for me.
All you biters out there....yeah you know who you are!!
Samsung Instinct, HTC Dream and the countless others.....what a load.
Apple is the game changer....others just strap on for the ride.
Checkout out the LAME fine print on the bottom of T-Mobile's website http://www.t-mobileg1.com/3G.aspx, So much for "unlimited". Playing the same old telecom tricks.
I liked the rest of it....
Your data session, plan, or service may be suspended, terminated, or restricted for significant roaming or if you use your service in a way that interferes with our network or ability to provide quality service to other users. Some devices require specific data plans; if you do not have the right plan for your device, you may not be able to use data services. Some downloads, such as movies, music, and games, not included. Domestic use only.
I just am not sure most people out there even have a clue what android is. Sure the geeks do, but even my mom knows what an iPhone is.
What a piece of crap.....
All you biters out there....yeah you know who you are!!
Samsung Instinct, HTC Dream and the countless others.....what a load.
Apple is the game changer....others just strap on for the ride.
Ah yes, I too remember the days when I was an Apple zealot...then I matured. You fail to realize the larger scheme of things and if it were not for others Apple would not be where is it today. Is Apple its own mobile service provider? No. Is not competition good? Yes. Do all people feels the iPhone is the omnipotent answer to their mobile usage? No. The iPhone is significant and I like it for personal use, but not business use...at least not yet.
The Amazon partnering sucks. First, the use of T-Mobile (which is terrible) and now the Amazon connection. I sure like Google's initial offering, but the partnering leaves far too much to be desired.
I don't see the problem with Amazon. It sounds like other companies wanting to sell music should be able to. Amazon's MP3 service has worked well for me when I tried it.
Checkout out the LAME fine print on the bottom of T-Mobile's website http://www.t-mobileg1.com/3G.aspx, So much for "unlimited". Playing the same old telecom tricks.
It would be nice if they properly marketed it. Still, I'm not sure how many people can manage to use that much on a phone, but I imagine that for most people, 1GB is as good as unlimited. I haven't used any more than 25MB of cell data on any given month so far.
Is it snappy?
Grrrrr Ill snap if I see snap, snappy, snappiest, snapped, snapper one more time...
However...
I wonder myself just how snappy it will be? Now 2.1 is on the Iphones, for the most part the Iphone is has quite a snappy response
Also, the Amazon connection will lead to video and e-document/book downloads.
This is a smart move.
Now what about VOIP on the G1?
Here's my take on the G1.
1. It looks thick.
2. The buttons look cheap.
3. GPS?
4. I think the right thumb might be blocked in using the keyboard
5. Sim-locked
6. Unlimited plan with 1GB limit. That sounds like a false advertisement lawsuit waiting to happen.
7. Apps look cool, especially the UPC bar code scanning. Someone should quickly port these apps to the iPhone.
8. 1GB memory? 8GB upgrade will cost another $40, making the G1 more expensive than the iPhone.
Still love my iPhone 3G of course as nobody does design like Apple, but this is really encouraging and finally adds a bit of competition. I can just see my iPhone getting better and better over the next few months
Is it snappy?
Everyone that uses it will mutter... "Oh snap!"
Is that what you mean?
Is it snappy?
Does it Push?
Grrrrr Ill snap if I see snap, snappy, snappiest, snapped, snapper one more time...
Dude, you don't have to SNAP at us....
In any case, I'm glad, because this should add even great inspiration to Apple's efforts.
And wow that phone looks so cheap... as in PoS cheap.
Android deserved to be released in something better than a hobo.
The Amazon partnering sucks. First, the use of T-Mobile (which is terrible) and now the Amazon connection. I sure like Google's initial offering, but the partnering leaves far too much to be desired.
Why? I really like Amazon's MP3 service.
The only things I ever buy from the iTMS are DRM-free songs.
Amazon's music is higher quality than the DRM music on the iTMS, too.
Not that this is Apple's fault... the music industry is scared of Apple.
And I suspect the "open" Android, along with T-Mobile, will have the same blame game going, only worse because of the unlimited access by 3rd party developers.