Android G1 gphone
G1 - Google's Mobile Phone
The google mobile phone that started out to be a rumour circulating the Internet is now a reality with 1.5m pre-ordered in the US alone, released in the US on the 22nd October and priced at $179, Buyers will be required to sign a two year contract for the phone.
In the UK however the phone was released on the 30th October and the G1 Phone is available for free on T-Mobile Combi and Flext price plans from £40 a month. The gphone is available in brown, white or black.
According to T-Mobile over 25,000 UK customers have registered interest in the G1 since the unveiling of the phone in September.
The phone runs on a platform called android this provides the operating system, applications, the user interface and middleware. The best thing about android is that it's open source meaning it gives developers such as (Joe bloggs) the opportunity to develop unique applications for the platform, as well being able to upgrade the phone overtime with new features and functions. This has never been done before. The iphone for example only provided applications designed by apple at a cost.
A few examples of applications already developed for the android platform are:
- CallACab - Allows you to find local cab companies in the area you are situated and also gives your location.
- Biowallet - An Iris scanner to allow you to lock and unlock your phone!
- Freefamilywatch - Allows you to track family members who also have a G1 whereabouts and the service also sends a warning when you or any of your family members are in a risky environment
The phone features and specifications are
- A 3.2-inch TFT-LCD flat touch-sensitive screen with HVGA (320 X 480 pixel) resolution.
- Customizable Home screen with instant Email, text message and IM notifications.
- Instant access to Google services (Gmail, YouTube, Maps, Google Talk, Calendar).
- High-speed 3.5G network connection.
- 3.2 megapixel color camera with auto focus.
- Micro SD slot allowing for expansion.
- Full Qwerty keyboard
- Instant access to Google services (Gmail, YouTube, Maps, Google Talk, Calendar).
- Wi-Fi technology.
- Android Market with access to variety of software and media downloads
- A trackball for one hand navigation
- Contextual search facility
- Full HTML web browser with zoom function
- Google Maps provides map information, satellite imagery, local business info and driving directions as well as MyLocation to let users know where they are; Google Maps Street View syncs with the built-in compass on the phone – an industry first – to allow users to view locations and navigate 360 degrees by simply moving the phone with their hand
- Html Email client, to work with pop3 and Imap
- Amazon MP3 Store
- Built-in support for T-Mobile’s 3G (HSDPA) and EDGE network
- Youtube
- IM Clients
- Music player supports MP3, M4A (iTunes AAC, DRM-free), AMR, WMA, MIDI, WAV, OGG Vorbis
- Pre-installed 1 GB Micro SD memory card that can hold approximately 500 songs (device supports up to an 8GB memory card)
- 11 pre-loaded songs including tracks from The Helio Sequence, Kinski and Flight of the Conchords
- Bluetooth-enabled
- myFaves-enabled
- GPS capabilities
- Voice recognition, voice dialing and speakerphone
- GSM/GPRS/EDGE/Wi-Fi and UMTS/HSDPA
- 850/900/1700/1800/1900/2100Mhz
- Up to 130 hours standby, up to 5 hours talk time
- Dimensions: 4.60” x 2.16” x 0.62”; Weight: 5.6 ounces; Display: 3.17 inches
