The first Android-powered phone, T-Mobile’s G1, was officially released today. It comes preloaded with a varity of Google Applications (Search, Maps, Gmail, Calendar, Google Talk and YouTube). The Gmail app has most of the features of the web version (labels, conversations, etc) and Maps comes with StreetView built-in.
The phone itself isn’t a slouch either. It has a 3.2-inch TFT-LCD (at 320×480 resolution) and a full QWERTY keyboard. It has a 3.2 megapixel camera, and 8 gigs 1 gig of storage (plus a microSD slot). The phone does not have video capabilities, and it’s chained to the T-Mobile network. Undoubtedly, a unlock crack will be developed quickly.
Here is a video produced by Google showing off the phone:
And here are a bunch of photos of the device. It sure looks slick!
According to engadget, the 32GB iPhone might be here as soon as next week. Considering the 16GB model came out of nowhere in February, this certainly seems possible. In fact, I’m a little surprised we haven’t seen the 32GB model yet.
Shortages of the 8GB iPhone are becoming more widespread, which is fuel speculation of the 32GB arrival. This is possible, or it might just be a resource shift as Best Buy gets rolling. Either way, we’ll find out soon!
It’s another great innovation for the iPhone that every other phone has had for about 8 years — an “at a glance” home screen.
Right now, it’s just a patent application, but it looks pretty nice. As an iPhone user, I can certainly see how this kind of screen could be useful.
On the other hand, they’ll need to be very careful about the privacy implications. It was less than a month ago that they had the big issue with people being able to bypass the security code, and this appears to have a similar issue. Based on the sketch, you can see recent information (calls, texts, voicemail, etc) without unlocking the phone.
That being said, I’m sure Apple is keeping that in mind and will find a way to make it work that pleases (almost) everyone.
Google has just released a nice update for Google Maps Mobile, including StreetView and walking directions! This update is for Blackberry and other Java-enabled phone for now (no Symbian or iPhone yet), but other devices are coming soon.
You can download the update at google.com/gmm, or watch the video below for more info:
The price is expected to be roughly $200 with a two-year contract, or about $400 without. At this point, it will only be available on T-Mobile. Blech.
On one hand, it’s completely illogical. Â Why would they support other phones? Â Why not just drive more users to the iPhone?
On the other hand, it will increase the reach of the iTunes Store, resulting in more sales. Â Anything to drive more sales to the store must be a good thing, right?
I tend to agree with NokNok that this won’t really happen, but you never know. Â Here are a couple of teaser screenshots for you:
The release date for the XPERIA X1 has been an odd thing.  It started out due in September, then got pushed out to October, then to 2009, then back to late 2008 and now back to September.  Very odd, but very cool!On September 30, the phone will be available in the UK, German and Swedish markets.  Other markets around the world (including North America) are expected sometime in Q4 2008.  Here’s hoping for sooner rather than later for the US!
We’re still a few days away from the 2.1 update for the iPhone, but it was released for the iPod Touch tonight. Â A few nice tidbits, which should apply to the iPhone update when it comes out:
Â
The whole system feels much faster.
Playlists now show the album/artist in addition to the song title (see screenshot to the right).
The “shake to shuffle” that was introduced for the Nano is not included.
Genius playlists are in, as long as you have enabled them in iTunes.
Apps install much faster — “almost like they do in the Apple adverts”.
Updated apps keep their same location. Â Yes! Â This has been driving me nuts.
That’s about it. Â Many of the iPhone updates are phone specfic (dropped calls, 3G connection, etc), so we’ll see about those on Friday. Â It’s sounding good so far, though!
They promised it by the end of September, and it just made it in time — the Facebook 2.0 app for the iPhone.
