Confirmed: T-Mobile to unveil Google phone next week
Tue Sep 16, 2008 9:43AM EDT
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T-Mobile looks set to announce the HTC Dream—the first Google Android phone, and the latest of the would-be iPhone killers—next week, according to the Wall Street Journal, with the phone itself arriving in stores by late October. Update: T-Mobile just confirmed the unveiling for next Tuesday.
We already got most of these details—including the news that the Dream will include Wi-Fi and support for T-Mobile's 3G network—last month from the FCC, which has approved the phone for use on U.S. airwaves.
But the Journal's story is the first to authoritatively nail down an announcement date: Sept. 23, to be specific. Word is that existing T-Mobile subscribers will get the chance to pre-order the Dream at that time, with the actual ship date coming later next month. (T-Mobile, Google, and HTC are all still mum about the Dream.) Update: I just got an e-mail from T-Mobile, inviting me to see its "first Android-powered phone" next Tuesday morning (Sept. 23). Consider the rumors confirmed.
Other purported Dream details that have been making the rounds include a built-in 3MP camera, a music player, and—most importantly—Google's new, open-source Android OS, complete with access to Google services like Gmail, Maps, and Search. (Check out these video on Engadget for a glimpse at the interface; note that the image above comes from one of the videos.)
So, should we expect an iPhone killer here? Probably not; as with any first-generation handset, I'm guessing that the Android-powered Dream will arrive with plenty of kinks that need ironing out, and it sounds like the Dream itself will be somewhat clunkier than the svelte iPhone.
That said, I'll be looking more carefully at Google's Android OS than at the Dream hardware—and not just at how polished the interface looks, but how much potential it has as a mobile OS. Remember, Android itself is open source, and the upcoming Android Market will be much more open to developers than Apple's walled-up App Store—and that means much more transparency, and hopefully rapid progress from one version of Android to the next.
What do you think? Will the Dream be an iPhone killer? Anyone looking to snap it up next month? Or is Google' s Android no match for the iPhone?
Related:
T-Mobile's Google-Based Phone Nears [WSJ]
Comments on Confirmed: T-Mobile to unveil Google phone next week
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2 Posted by greg_brawley on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:13PM EDT Report Abuse
With T-Mobile's reputation being iffy, I'm also tentative about getting one. I REALLY want to, but if other carriers get their Android phones in the following months, I'll probably wait. Price will either lure me, or make me run. I'll also be very upset if current T-Mobile "upgraders" get some priority. Something like that won't likely make me jump from Alltel.
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3 Posted by coolkyle4@snet.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:29PM EDT Report Abuse
anyone that was really pissed about the limitations, will def switch to the android os, which could make it an iphone killer, and i kno a few ppl interested in a tmobile touch screen phone similar to the iphone, so lets see
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4 Posted by bella77427 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:04PM EDT Report Abuse
There's nothing iffy about T-Mobile, they offer good service too. Yet I don't see this as I iphone killer...just another competitor. There's a market for all.
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5 Posted by rogueist on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:49PM EDT Report Abuse
There is zero bluetooth support, so a big resounding NO... We were going to purchase 5 of them when they came out, but without Bluetooth - its not worth it at all.
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6 Posted by novablast24 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:41PM EDT Report Abuse
I seriously don't that it doesn't have bluetooth, especially considering it has wifi. Don't be a bad rumor starter. And I don't know what's so "iffy" about being rated as one of the top two carriers along with Verizon. And i'm sure T-Mobile's 3G network won't be swiss cheese like AT&T's
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7 Posted by skyguyred on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:26PM EDT Report Abuse
this looks so cool im with t-mobile and im debatining either to get this HTC dream or the Sidekick LX
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8 Posted by dfomane on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:42PM EDT Report Abuse
Another toy, for people who like toys. Yippie.... Why not have something compatable with something else.... At a lower price..
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9 Posted by alocard1134 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:51PM EDT Report Abuse
Make it unlocked and usable anywhere in the world, and then do a proper review.
1 Posted by david_lmt on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:38PM EDT Report Abuse
I think people are going to be cautious purchasing this phone. I'm excited to see it in person, but I won't be one of the first to buy it. I'll let others make the investment and see how they like it first. Also, the price is going to have to be under $300 for me to justify buying one.