Google dials into mobile market with G1

GOOGLE launched its much anticipated mobile phone yesterday — using the company’s Android software designed to improve the speed and quality of using the internet on mobile handsets.

The much-anticipated T-Mobile G1 will go head to head with Apple’s iPhone, the BlackBerry and other smartphones from makers including Nokia.

The gadget has a keyboard behind a slide-out touch screen to allow users easy navigation around the device and is being touted as a phone with the capability of a hand-held computer. It provides access to Android Market, which allows third party companies to offer a raft of applications allowing users to customise their phone.

It will be available in Britain from November on the T-Mobile network and should be available here early in the new year.

The T-Mobile G1 is the first device to run on the Android platform, giving customers unprecedented ability to make their mobile work just the way they want.

Customers can tailor their phones with access to a variety of innovative applications. The phone makes use of Google Maps, instant messaging through Google Talk, as well as high-speed internet browsing and a 3-megapixel camera. The phone’s 3G and wi-fi connection can be used to upload and post pictures and download music and videos.

Google announced Android plans late last year and analysts reacted by saying it could potentially transform the mobile telephone market by providing service supported by advertising instead of subscription fees.

Google announced a 34-member group called the Open Handset Alliance in November to develop Android, including China Mobile, HTC, Intel, Motorola, Qualcomm, T-Mobile, Telefonica, LG and eBay.