Google will unveil its first ever mobile phone today at a press conference in New York.
The phone, which is made by HTC, runs Google’s Android operating system, and will be available in the UK on the T-Mobile network. Prices and contract details have yet to be announced, but it is thought the device, which is based on HTC’s Dream handset, is likely to be named the G1.
The launch of the handset will spark a fierce mobile phone war ahead of the lucrative Christmas shopping season. Google’s device will be pitted directly against Apple’s hugely popular iPhone 3G and other forthcoming phones, such as the Nokia N96 and Sony Ericsson’s Xperia X1, as well as businessman’s favourite the BlackBerry.
The G1 will run Google’s new mobile phone operating system, Android, and will be capable of running Google’s range of web applications such as its email service Gmail, productivity suite Google Docs and mapping service Google Maps. It is also likely to feature Google’s new web browser, Chrome.
Technology experts believe the G1 will feature both a slide-out Qwerty keyboard for speedy typing, as well as a touchscreen interface. The G1 is expected to contain a GPS chip, allowing it to double as a mobile sat-nav, and Google may also provide additional tools for the device to help push location-specific information to the phone’s owner, such as weather forecasts, travel updates and restaurant recommendations.
