All About Android, Google`s New Mobile Operating System - The First Android-Based Device
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If you're interested in getting your hands on a mobile phone that is based on the Android platform, T-Mobile is the first wireless phone company to carry one. T-Mobile announced the phone in August, 2008. Known as theT-Mobile G1, this phone retails for approximately $179. Unfortunately, you must sign a two-year contract.
The T-Mobile G1's features include a touch-screen that allows you to access important information with the touch of your finger. You can use the 3MP camera to take high-quality photos. It also comes with a built-in QWERTY keyboard that enables you to type messages. You can use Google applications, such as Google Talk, YouTube, Gmail, Calendar, and Maps, which include street views, traffic, and satellite images. The T-Mobile G1 comes with IM, text, and email capabilities. You can also listen to your music by inserting your 1 GB memory card.
The phone offers both 3G network and WiFi access. You can access the Android market with just one touch. You will love being able customize your phone to your preferences by taking advantage of the applications. These applications include social networking, games, and on-the-go shopping. You can use a couple of short clicks to wirelessly download the applications. The T-Mobile G1 also comes with video playback functionality, where you can watch YouTube or your videos from anywhere.
Another feature you will love is that you can tailor your screen to the way you want it. All you need to do is drag and drop your favorite application, folders, or images onto your home screen. You can then quickly access and use them.
Unfortunately, there has been some criticism of the T-Mobile G1 phone. Problems include lack of a public issue-tracking system and quality assurance infrastructure and documentation. According toAdam MacBethof MergeLab, "Functionality is not there, poorly documented or just doesn't work...It's clearly not ready for prime time." As often happens with new products that come out on the market, this one does not work smoothly.
Whether or not the G1 mobile device is a hit from the get-go shouldn't be a big issue for the Android platform, because it has already received tons of publicity and is backed by one of the most powerful web companies in the world (if not the most powerful) - Google. So I expect the Android platform to be successful in the next year or two after some of the initial bugs and flaws are ironed out.
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