Friday, September 26th, 2008

Google Unveils 'Android' on Phone

The T-Mobile G1 phone, the first released product to use the Android mobile platform. Image courtesy HTC.

This week web giant Google, telecom firm T-Mobile and electronics manufacturer HTC unveiled the first mobile phone to use the new 'Android' platform. The device, named the G1, has features that put it head to head against Apple's popular iPhone, including a touch screen and extensive integration with online applications. Unlike the iPhone, however, the platform is open for use by multiple phone developers. Android was initially backed by Google, and later by the Open Handset Alliance, a consortium of 34 different companies.

The T-Mobile G1 phone is planned to be available in late October. We'll talk about the phone, what it can do, and why some developers and gadget enthusiasts are interested in the Android platform.