First Android-based Phone Hits the Market

It’s been close to a year since we first learned of Google’s Android mobile OS, and T-Mobile today becomes the first provider out the door with a product. The T-Mobile G1 features a 3.17″ screen supporting a resolution of 480×320, WiFi and Bluetooth and support for GMS, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS and HSDPA. The unit itself isn’t that much bigger than the screen at 4.6″ x 2.16″ x 0.62″. It weighs 5.6 ounces.

Being a Google-driven OS, the device comes pre-loaded with Google Maps and YouTube applications, so finding your way around town or watching an online video is a simple proposition. Although not launched yet, Google will unveil an “Android Market”, similar to the iPhone Apps Store and the similar offering Microsoft also has in the works. It will allow users to purchase whatever apps they please, and even develop their own if they so choose.

Unlike most mobile phones out there, Android is an open-OS, and developing applications for it is simple as long as your preferred language is Java. It requires Google’s own Java libraries, but those are pre-loaded, and the SDK is also easy to come by. Though I don’t have particular interest in this phone myself, yet, I look forward to seeing whether or not it will take off. It’s just too bad that right now it’s locked into a single provider.

Another direct shot is taken at Apple in the form of a dedicated Amazon MP3 Music Store application designed for Android. Customers will have access to over six million DRM free songs starting at just $0.89 each. Customers will be able to download the songs directly to the G1, but a WiFi connection is required for over the air downloads.