Google, T-Mobile unveil new pPhone
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Written by Editor
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
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T-Mobile USA and Google Inc. unveiled the first smart-phone powered
by Google's Android operating system, as the Internet giant hopes to
shake up the wireless industry.

The G1 represents the first direct attempt by Google to link its name
with cellphones. The company, which dominates Internet search, has
struggled to break through the controls of the wireless carriers and
establish a strong foothold in the mobile Web.

The phone arrives after months of speculation and buzz surrounding a
Google phone and its prospects as a rival to Apple Inc.'s iPhone.

Cole Brodman, chief technology officer of T-Mobile USA, called the
device a game-changer. "The mobile Internet experience hasn't been
compelling," he said. "We're going to change that."

The device also means a lot for T-Mobile USA, a unit of Deutsche
Telekom AG, which needs a flagship device to promote its burgeoning
third-generation network. The phone's maker, Taiwan's HTC Corp., which
has slowly built up its brand as a premier smart-phone maker over the
past year, also has a stake in its success.

The G1 has a touch-screen that slides up to reveal a full keypad
underneath. The device is compatible with T-Mobile's 3G network, which
it is early in the process of rolling out. Front and centre on the
handset is a Google search interface.

The G1 will sell for $179 with a two-year contract with T-Mobile in
the US The device will be available in the UK in November, and
throughout Europe in the first quarter.

The device also features a mobile Web browser similar to Google's
Chrome browser for the PC. The iPhone's slick browser has made other
handset makers working to improve their offerings.

"G1 is a milestone in bringing the open Internet to the mobile
platform," said Christopher Schladder, group product and innovation
officer for Deutsche Telekom.

Google has been anxious to get into the mobile arena to access
potentially lucrative opportunities from marrying its targeted ad
technology to the phone's ability to determine a person's location.
The company has said that mobile advertising represents a huge source
of growth.

Google has already made ripples in the industry. Its maneuvering
during the last wireless license auction forced Verizon Wireless -
jointly owned by Verizon Communications Inc. and Vodafone Group PLC -
to commit to open standards for its network.

Google isn't wholly relying on the G1. Another Android device for
Sprint Nextel Corp. is in the works.

AT&T also says it is open to the idea of an Android phone. "If it
makes sense for our customers, it's something we will consider
offering," said AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel.

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