NEW YORK--Having just attended the launch of the T-Mobile G1 smart phone, based on Google's Android open-source mobile operating software stack, I have to say I'm a bit torn.
On one hand, the event, which featured Android creator Andy Rubin, executives from T-Mobile USA, Deutsche Telekom, and HTC, was significant because it showed that Google made good on its November 2007 pledge to get Android in a phone before 2009.
On the other hand, sadly, it's just another smart phone. Check out pictures from the event here.
Google co-founders--those $30 Billion Wonder Twins --Larry Page and Sergey Brin rolled in on roller blades toward the end of the launch this morning at Guastavino's on 59th, which is nestled underneath a bridge.
While it's tempting to think their appearance was staged to highlight Google's definitive entrance into the mobile OS market, they had actually just come from the launch of Google's Transit feature on Google Maps today.
This was just a double dipper. Page and Brin must have been tuckered out from the Transit launch because neither had much to add to the event in terms of content. No matter, their presence at the launch together spoke volumes.
But when I saw the demo of the phone, other than the compass feature for Google Maps Street View, which provides a 360-degree view of the G1 user as they move the phone around, I was disappointed.
I didn't see anything game-changing. The touch-screen had some attendees crying "iPhone copycat!" while the slideout screen had others declaring the G1 a new Sidekick. You can also play some video games on it, and carbon footprint app Ecorio and mapping app BreadCrumbz offer a glimpse of life with Android. After playing around with it, I thought the speedy search in the WebKit-based browser was impressive, as was the ability to switch between applications.
Then again, we've already seen what Google could do leveraging the open-source WebKit with its Chrome Web browser, so it came as no surprise that Chrome Lite, as Rubin called it, would facilitate information so rapidly.
I'm sorry, am I missing anything here? It's not like I expected to jump off the exhibition table and do the tango. But the G1, to my eyes and hands, is just another smart phone, an iPhone with a nice keyboard.
I invite T-Mobile, Google or anyone for that matter to prove me wrong.
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Comments (5)
Hummmm.... Just an "IPhone, with a nice keyboard" Just what's been touted as one of the most innovative products to come around in years (IPhone) with what the IPhone critically misses, a nice keyboard....
Am I missing something here? Ok, I know it's missing a Tri-corder from Star Trek!
Gee I don't see the down side at least here in 2008... What other smart phone comes close to the all mighty Mini-Me-Mac and on several levels surpasses it in version 1.0.x?
Maybe a new hobby for you, say Laser-Light saber fencing?
Posted by Bratman | September 25, 2008 12:40 AM
I have been a detractor of the android project since I heard about it. I must say, the device and the software underneath the hood is impressive. I have two concerns, the goofy arm that is used to slide the keyboard - I bet that will break and the fact that my mobile data inside a google device - I have a monster in Microsoft, the less Google knows about me, who I call, where I go the better.
Posted by G.Bilings | September 25, 2008 7:51 PM
Android is not about a particular phone like the G1. The G1 is the first of hopefully many phones using the Android *platform*. Platform is the keyword. For many years I wanted to develop applications for the mobile clientele. The only way to do so was to commit to one closed environment, one vendor and sometimes one carrier. It was very difficult to develop and even more to distribute applications. Android is the end of these monopolies. Android as set a trend to open source the mobile platforms with a *free* and open development environment. I am delighted to see Android and I am looking forward to see its influence on the mobile landscape in the next few years.
Posted by Fred Janon | September 25, 2008 10:33 PM
As for the "goofy arm" you really would have loved the Sidekick then, 'cause it 'spins' 'AROUND'... the whole screen!
My SK2 (owned and used everyday for 3yrs) never had a problem w/the screen and the SK 2008 is just as good. I doubt if that simple swoosh arm will be a problem... The people that got to hold and play with it said it seems very solid in hand.
BTW how could anyone ever be against an open source environment where programmers are king and allowed to invent freely... And not have to give up up to 70% to Steve Jobs...
Posted by Bratman | September 26, 2008 2:26 AM
The only thing that I am worried about is spam. If they are inviting everyone and there mother to develop applications. What stops a spammer to develop a program to not only steal someone's personal information or bug their phones. I am a little apprehensive on the phone. I feel it should be regulated with structer.
Posted by joshc08 | October 2, 2008 10:16 AM