As expected, T-Mobile unveiled the first mobile phone powered by the Google Android operating system today.
The T-Mobile G1 is built by HTC (codename HTC Dream). Powered by a 528MHz Qualcomm MSM7201A processor, it comes with quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE and dual-band UMTS/HSDPA (1700/2100MHz) connectivity, a 3.2-inch touchscreen HVGA (480 by 320 resolution) display, 192MB RAM and 256MB ROM, a QWERTY thumb keyboard under the sliding display, a trackball for one-handed navigation and one-touch buttons to access popular Google applications, built-in GPS, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (no A2DP), a 3.2MP camera, a microSD card slot (with 1GB card preinstalled) and a 1150mAh battery. It measures 11.7 by 5.5 by 1.6 centimeters (4.6 by 2.16 by 0.62 inches) and weighs 158.8 grams (5.6 ounces) with battery. It also features a digital compass and motion sensor.
On the software side, it will come with applications for the Android Market (offering 3rd party applications like the Apple App Store), the Amazon MP3 store, and access to Google’s suite of tools and applications, including Gmail, Google Maps (with Street View) and GTalk. It will also have a full HTML web browser with zoom functionality.
On the downside, the T-Mobile G1 will not come with Microsoft Exchange support and stereo Bluetooth. You will also not be able to use it as a tethered modem and it will be SIM-locked to T-Mobile.
Pricing will start at USD$179 with a two-year service contract. It will be available for pre-order for existing T-Mobile customers today and it will hit the street in the U.S. starting on October 22nd. The U.K. release will follow in early November and other European countries will see it in early 2009. It will be available in white, brown and black.
Update: Specifications updated with additional information based on details now posted on the HTC web site.