Does that only work work blah@gmail? or can i use google apps(google apps for my domain)?

waaan

The Google account sync is truly awesome. Now, if they only had something like the iPhone's visual voicemail, I would jump and get one the very day it comes out.

Rodriguez

The android looks nice, and has a lot of potential, but:

* There really needs to be a "make noises" only for certain email, for push email. One of the nice coincidental "features" of the iPhone, exists if you use one of the push email services with (for example) gmail. With gmail, I can use the filters to only autoforward selected (urgent/important) email to the iPhone's push email address. This results in the iPhone only interrupting me for the selected email; note that I only use gmail for email access, and the push email address is only used to notify me of important/urgent email. I do not get interrupted for unimportant email, and that's a good thing.

* (This may already exist -- I don't know.) There needs to be an "offline" mode for the email, contacts, and calendar. If I'm on an airplane, it's nice to be able to compose messages. Web access is great, but offline mode is essential, too (google gears, perhaps?).

* I really hope that G1 can handle cards larger than 8GB, as an 8GB limit would be really lame.

aj_robins

I know this is SLIGHTLY shallow, but being that I use Gmail, GCal, and especially Gmail's Contacts religiously, the idea of a phone platform that natively works with these platforms is greatly appeasing to me.

However, I won't switch to T-Mobile. Ever. I'll have to wait to see how Verizon works with what Android brings.

bachya

@xious: If you don't need push email, and really, really want google contacts on the iPhone, check out the beta (currently free) [www.nuevasync.com] . The issue is that switching to nuevasync will probably wipe out your iPhone's existing contacts, and replace them with your google contacts.

aj_robins

I'm very interested in Android but want to stick with Verizon. Left TMobile because of lack of service at my house. waiting.

jcoffman

Do I have to use gmail? No POP3 is a deal-breaker. I have to sync through Google? Another deal-breaker. I do not put my friends' personal information "in the cloud".

Irony: An "open" platform that forces you to do things their way.

DWes

@wngchng87:
...crap

wngchng87

@bachya: I agree 100%. I'm pretty tempted (and ashamed of that fact), but will wait to see if Verizon's version is any good.

CK

@Rodriguez:
I imagine its only a matter of time before there is a Callwave Callwave or YouMailYouMail app for Android

Callwave already has some cool iGoogle and Desktop gadgets

wngchng87

I am in awe... especially of "Locale." (Reigning queen of having her phone on the wrong setting in the wrong place, here.) I was thinking this morning how convenient it would be for the phone to intuit my wishes and alter its ringer settings as appropriate... but short of the brain implant I think that would require, this seems like a pretty handy solution.

Mind you, I STILL think Google's trying to take over the world.

Wit

I love my iPhone (well, before all the new and improved software) and thought I would keep it for quite awhile. However, I am a religious Google user. I use GMail for everything (I wish I could use it for work), I use GCal for my events and gtd's. Now, one thing I don't care for the iPhone is there is no real easy way to sync the Google information to my iPhone (Google Contacts is a big one).

If Android really picks up and the community makes some good software, I might seriously consider changing to an Android phone. But I do agree with aj_robins, there HAS to be an offline mode. I am in non-service areas a lot at work and would be frustrated if I didn't have access to any of my information.

xious

Wow, I love my HTC Touch and I couldn't see myself switching carriers because of my awesome plan, but I love Google and would love for my info to be synced with my Google account at all times. Now had this phone dropped 2 months ago and on Sprint, I'd be all over it.

Falcon PAUNCH!!!

Come on, Verizon!!!

edmicman

no PIM features?

qrius

Android looks amazing and is really going to challenge Apple's 'Closed Source, You Put On What We Want' approach to the mobile.

the_boffin

The demonstration video looks pretty promising!
It lacks the 'glossiness' of the iPhone interface but I feel it will be popular at among the Google app users (and that number is quite big!).

saicode

@xious: Also, note that nuevasync is in beta, and does have some issues. Check out their blog (there's a link on their website).

aj_robins

Anyone know if current users will get the good price, or am I going to be dicked over so they can get new users, and wind up buying an iphone off of ebay?

caedus

Wifi?

silver-bolt

Google own me. I use almost every google app and having all that on a phone that keeps my contacts, appointments, conversations etc in sync at all times is just what I need.

I still don't particularly like the G1 device. I'll wait for some more phones to adopt the android OS before I switch from my N82.

iceman7

@Rodriguez: Why do you think that Google bought Grand Central. It's coming. (Or here if you already have a GC account...)

ustice

...how long do we have to wait for the HTC Touch HD again?

wngchng87

@Wit:
"Mind you, I STILL think Google's trying to take over the world."

That's exactly what I was thinking, but I don't find it scary.

spiralout987

I would imagine that people will develop apps beyond the Google Suite for Android, that means POP3 IMAP , Themes and hacks apps galore. I hope anyway. The day all this starts Ill be jogging off to get my Android compatible phone!

hyperhead

@bluest: Google usually starts off their APIs like that so if you wait a bit I'm sure we'll see support for Ruby, Python, C/C++, etc etc.

PatrickTulskie

@bachya: Same here. I'll have to wait for an AT&T version. And I don't want T-Mobile badging on my phone, so even if it's unlocked I probably won't get it.

KStrike155

Hopefully we get some nice Android devices on Verizon soon. I think this is going to be the thing to really stick it to the iPhone.

I got another year until my BB contract expires so I'll see what the market place looks like then.

PatrickTulskie

People keep saying it's open source, but AFAICT it's only a JDK, with the major components written in JAVA. From their FAQ:

Can I write code for Android using C/C++?

Android only supports applications written using the Java programming language at this time.

Doesn't really sound that open.

bluest

well i have to say, it looks very impressive

bagano

@Rodriguez:

as the other user said, Google has purchased GrandCentral. I'm guessing in two years we'll see the results.

kg4dni

I'll definitely be picking one up once it comes to Sprint (they cover my area best).

Eschguy

@Rodriguez

Visual Voicemail. Possibly Google's purchase of GrandCentral will bring that feature in, within two years from now.

kg4dni

pushGmail would be freaking amazing...

unruled

@bachya: I've been pretty happy with Sprint, and I want this thing, but only if Sprint offers it. I'd switch to T-Mobile, but it's national coverage just doesn't cut it--Sprint works where I go, including rural NC, rural IA, and even Anchorage. Of course, Verizon works even better, I hear.

DangerousLiberal

Being stuck to Verizon I really hope this phone (or really the OS in general) comes over. Honestly, it is likely a pipe dream.

Verizon is known for their "walled garden" approach to their phones. I think this OS might be way out of the box for Verizon. No way for them to get their VCast service or GetItNow on this device....

itloser

Seems like that street view plug was quite a stretch. Where on the bridge? Oh, there.

ddb123

mmmm...i think i've just c

so. what's the news on this in the UK?

ffolliet

@DangerousLiberal: being english, i don't know about sprint, but i did like it's product placement in the new heroes lol

Zepth

How is t-mobile worse than Verizon or At&T? (honest question)

owens

@bluest: But java is open, you can do it on any platform, so....fail.

caedus

@bachya: It's okay, you can stick with your Verizon. The world is not going to end. Life goes on.

endorphin

Any chance of eventually retrofitting older phones (like my blackjack II) with android? That seems like a too-good-to-be-true wish, but google is often good at that sort of thing.

dirtysteak

@caedus: That's my point. Every phone already has java mobile or some such. If the platform were really open, you could put your own kernel on there. They say with the APIs you can do everything -- except touch this bit of core code here, and this subscriber data over here, and...

bluest

@silver-bolt: Yes

jblackhall

Now there are TWO phones on the market that allow you to identify people with too much money and not enough common sense...

haggie

@DWes: You don't have to use gmail. There is an external mail app and of course there's definitely room for creating better ones than are currently available.

jblackhall

what a bunch of bullshit for current tmobile users.

If I *upgrade* my phone (I've been a customer for 5+ year), I can get it for a nice $365, adding the web functionality.

What happened to the whole $199 crap? Screw Tmobile, I'll go buy an iPhone on ebay for that much and jailbreak it.

caedus

Wake up and smell the coffee SPRINT! I want an Android! The Locale program sounds awesome!

Jerry G.

I'll be interested to see what gets developed for this thing.

Myles

@bachya: I agree on not going with tmobile.

If it doesn't tether the g3 connection or backup data to an SD card it's pretty useless to me. Clouds are nice and all, but when it comes to essential contact lists/calendars I want them locally backed up on an SD card or PC.

gliscameria

@waaan: I'm guessing it would work. I've been using Google Apps on my regular phone with no problem. I doubt they will leave us Google Apps users in the dust.

Nu Digi

Oh... my... GOODNESS!

First off, Google is taking a right step with the DRM-Free stuff. Amazon might actually get a good boost.

I might also be interested in developing a few applications for the phone. I got a few ideas I would like to implement. Hacking the phone will be easy!

But, I'm not jumping to T-Mobile just to get this phone. Sprint! Where you at? We need to talk!

Nu Digi

I am quite pumped for the Android phone. I have been eying the OpenMoko for some time, but haven't quite seen enough progress on it for my liking. With a Google backed phone, odds are its progressing a little better. My only concern is that there might be a little too much vendor lock-in, but with open source code, it is still pretty tempting. Being in Canada, though, I can't be bothered to get a data plan as the cheapest one I am aware of is upwards of $70/month for only 6GB of traffic and is an iPhone only plan. Generic data plans here generally run much more than that for much less traffic than that. Hopefully Canadian cell providers get their act together soon. I'm somewhat on the fence between waiting for an Android phone and getting something like he Nokia N800 and just relying on WiFi. We'll have to see how the Android reviews go.

uberben

@owens: T-Mobile has 3G implemented in about 25, or will by launch date. AT&T and Verizon have most metropolitan areas of the country covered already. How well, for ATT especially, is a matter of opion, but at least it's there. Lots of major markets have no T-Mobile 3G at all.

Matthew_Maurice

I want this on a verizon phone. I want it by the end of this year.

Paradox460

The device is too thick. <3 slim 3g iphone.

infiniteloop

@bachya:

Yeah, we use Google Apps for Your Domains on the Blackberry. Having native support on the Android is pretty cool, especially with a better browser and a wider screen. And contact syncing with Gmail? That's just pure gold ... :)

jayen

@Matthew_Maurice:@owens:

I live in a small town, so no 3G whatsoever. But, Verizon seems to have stronger signals. It will probably vary for you though.

kli6891

I love my iPhone, and there's little or nothing that could make me regret having it. If something better comes along, it won't diminish the incredible usefulness and pleasure I get from my device of choice; it's the nature of technology that the best isn't the best for very long. That said, the G1 is not better than the iPhone, and Android is not better than iPhone OS. Yet. What G1 and Android are is proof that other companies can compete with Apple, and (hopefully) create a marketplace headed toward more innovation and better software/hardware. Some will argue that I am wrong about which is better, and I will disagree for reasons already stated in other comments. What's important is that the smartphone marketplace has a bright and diverse future, and that soon we will all be able to praise or decry our manufacturer/carrier of choice. I don't think I would like Android or the G1, but I love the fact that they exist - especially if they have Apple worried.

ddb123

TANSTAFFL!

Folks buy a $200 phone for $50 (& a two year contract) then whine when the carrier won't sell them a $400 phone for $179 a few months more into that original two year contract...

What - you want a pony too? Bet you think that should be free also!

As to the 8GB issue, as far as I know T-Mobile hasn't certified _anything_ they sell for more then 8GB, probably because there aren't many 8GB or larger chips on the market to test against. I know the Blackberrys _should_ support up to 32GB, but T-Mo is conservative and lists 4GB microSD as the max until they're sure otherwise.

Regarding Visual Voicemail - Google already has GrandCentral - which is pretty much that already.

Regarding the it-doesn't-do-this/doesn't-do-that: Yep! In the market we call that *opportunity*! Wait 2 months and there will be several MS Exchange solutions out there competing, same for any other category. Best-of-breed typically beats one-size-fits-all/take-it-or-leave-it attitude of most cell services.

maggard

I am definitely getting this. Google has never let me down before.

applejackie

I recently switched to syncing with Google Calendar on my Windows Mobile phone because syncing at home AND at work often got me several entries two and more times or some entries which stayed in one place without getting synced.

This way I can sync wherever I have Internet access - even through an ActiveSync guest account at a friend's PC.

So I am also eager to try this new OS from Google. Maybe there will be a working version for my HTC Universal, too....

mbirth

Has anyone seen demos of how this works as a PHONE? How does the text app work? How about voicemail, dialing, etc? While I am excited, all I seem to see are features that are basically PDA functionality.

armeck

Based on what I read in wired.com and theregister.co.uk this phone is built on the cheap and has limited functionality to anyone who hasn't been 'imperiused' by google. I don't want to sell my soul for 2 years to anyone, if the phone and the service is as good as the marketing makes it out to be, I'd probably keep it for two years but is it ethical to force my hand?
My current phone is an N95 and on the whole I'm pleased with it, but my next cell phone will be a pay as you go basic phone that makes phone calls. I will also be getting a palm-top computer/mediaplayer with all the fixins'!

xenobyte72

@qrius: There has to be something in the Android Store that would do the job.

Assuming you don't use the Google apps.

mb

I am a little disappointed with this launch. It needs a sexier better looking phone and I wasn't impressed with the user interface. I was holding out for Android, but now I think I might get an iPhone and hope that when my contract is up there is a better Android phone on the market. I just can't wait that long.

mrosedal

I'm extremely excited for the new platform, and have already ordered my G1. There'll be new and better hardware within months, of course, and I'll probably be right on line with a partial (or even no) upgrade ready to go.

SilleeString

The clocks don't match.

UnStatusTheQuo

Being able to change profile, start apps etc has been availble for a while for WM5/6 users for a while via Cell Profile Switcher - available free from here:

[maniac.fschreiner.de]

It uses your local cell ID, rather than GPS so should always work providing you have cell coverage and wont gulp down your batteries.

prupert

For all those waiting for Verizon and ATT, you may be waiting for a while. Those two networks are not in the OHA and not particularly interested in open devices. The entrenched players like ATT and VZW don't need to do things like this for the consumer whereas the underdogs like Sprint and T-Mo have more of an incentive to take the risks. Thankfully Sprint should have an Android device out within the next few months as they are the cheapest and fastest data network out there right now and they have excellent coverage in the DC/Baltimore area where I live. Something as quick and versatile as Android running on something like the Diamond Pro or Touch HD-type phone and getting unlimited DSL speeds for $15/month would be pretty amazing.

JerryA

Would this become available for US Cellular customers? Generally we don't get the cool toys due to their CDMA technology.

agroom

I love google appls...gmail, gcal, reader, maps, etc...I see the use of a smartphone primarily for personal organization (besides making calls, of course!) so a phone that plays well w/ google apps is exactly what I need - no more, no less. I agree though that there needs to be a off-line mode, so though I'm tempted to be an early adopter, I'll probably end up waiting for at least 6 months.

NadineBriseis

I want PB&J and someone to work for me... but it aint happening.

SuryaMaguffin

Now google has all apps such as email, docs, calendar, notebook, youtube etc. When are they going to offer some kind of cloud storage online that can sync between PC & Mobile. This will be very useful..

bobbyleong

Why no headphone port?!!

liebezeit

No tethering is a deal breaker. Does anyone know if that means no tethering is allowed, or it hasn't been built-in yet? The whole point in extending "open source" technology is to allow people to build some of these pieces right?

We'll see how that works. I'm cynical that some limitations will be dismissed a little too conveniently as inherent to the hardware.

Also, no 3G yet in my city.

tewley

meh... I'm not impressed. Looks huge and clunky like stepping back to the 8125 days years ago. Also appears to be nothing revolutionary or original here. Just like chrome, google has created a hodge-podge of "best features" available in the market of other products. I'd get an iPhone before this thing which also means I'd have to give up my Touch Dual w/ WinMo 6.1 (not happening).

virtu0s0

Looks pretty cool to me. I resisted the iPhone because I actually really like Tmobile, and since I'm Google's bitch anyway (gmail, greader, gcalender, apps, yada yada yada) This looks like it's going to be the phone for me. I'm getting a little weary of my Blackberry, anyway, too dull.

techgolem

is there a possibility in the near future that we can dump the current OS in our smartphones and install Android, like we can do in our PC's? this will open up a totally different future. i feel it is theoretically possible. the hardware manufacturers like HTC, Nokia could offer phones with customizable OS.

ppk66

@aj_robins:
Regular HTC devices, like the Tilt or the Touch Pro, that can take storage cards of at least 4GB should be theoretically compatible with storage cards of up to 32GB according to information in the HTC technical support department. From my understanding, however, the stability of SDCH cards above 4GB can potentially be suspect due to how volatile they can sometimes be due to their construction.

Rumor has it that HTC might also not be offering tech support on the G1 since it doesn't run Windows Mobile, but that's not confirmed by any source yet to my knowledge.

HTCguy

@HTCguy:
I got confirmation today, HTC will not be offering tech support on the G1 in any way, only T-Mobile. If other carriers pick it up, they'll most likely be doing their own tech as well.

HTCguy

Has anyone seen any mention of Google Docs on Android? I'd love to be able to edit docs with the keypad.

spirojunk

@Wit: I would buy it just for this application. I never remember to take my phone off silent when I leave work, so between sometime Monday morning and sometime Friday afternoon it functions as a fancy little answering machine, much to the annoyance of anyone who's looking for me.

On second thought . . .

KatieKate93

@CK: I'm not ashamed...

I like everything Google. Maybe I should worry about how much personal info they have on everyone in their data banks, but I don't care - their apps are cool.
It's just a shame that the iPhone has the patent for using multiple touch as that is a great way to zoom around web pages.

Daveyx