Video: Android walkthrough on T-Mobile G1

by Thomas Ricker posted Sep 23rd 2008 at 11:33AM

Google just posted a few videos showing all the Google applications loaded on the T-Mobile G1. This includes Search, Maps, Gmail and Contacts, Calendar, Google Talk and You Tube all enabled with a single sign-on -- no further logins are required. The fact that these are fully synchronized to the web negates the need for a desktop application. Nice. Amazon MP3 store, IMing, Street View compass mode and plenty more highlighted in the videos posted after the break.

Filed under: Handsets, HTC, T-Mobile, Android

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

callisto3 @ Sep 23rd 2008 11:46AM

I want it. I wonder how likely it will be that I can get an unlocked one to use on AT&Ts network. This is the first phone since the iPhone that I've been compelled to buy. I love Google! I also wonder when and if AT&T will get an Android phone. GIMME!

Neutral

dagamer34 @ Sep 23rd 2008 12:27PM

AT&T is still suckling on Apple's teet, I think they'll be too preoccupied to use an Android phone for a while.

Highly Ranked

Shane @ Sep 23rd 2008 4:05PM

Even once someone comes up with a way to unlock the G1, it will only be useful for use overseas with other SIMs. An AT&T SIM will work for voice and Edge data, but it will not work on AT&T's 3G network.

AT&T's 3G network operates only on 850/1900 frequency bands, and Tmobile USA's 3G network runs only on a 1700 frequency band.

The G1 only has two 3G radio bands in it... a 1700 band for use on Tmobile USA'a network, and the 2100 band for everywhere else in the world.

Just like if you could unlock a iphone 3G to use a Tmobile USA SIM. Useless for 3G. Would only work for voice and Edge services.

So unlocking either device for use in the US is pretty limited in uses. For use overseas where everyone uses the 2100 3G band, it makes a lot more sense.

Neutral

Shane @ Sep 23rd 2008 4:19PM

Also, some websites have been reporting that Tmobile has a 2 year exclusive in the US with this. So don't expect a Android phone on AT&T anytime soon.

The only way this will happen before 2 years is if Google allows other maufacturer's to make a Android phone overseas (ie, where TMobile or Deutsche Telekom does not have coverage), and that manufacturer chooses to include a 850/1900 3G radio in it.

Then you could buy the phone, unlock it, and slap your AT&T SIM in it. But that's not likely. If someone does make another Android phone soon, it will probably only have the non-US 2100 3G band in it.

A more pertinent question will be how this will affect the Google apps on the iphone. (ie, Maps, YouTube, the Google app in the App store, etc) Will Google continue to update and improve these apps, or will they get stagnant and always offer less features than their G1 counterparts? Will Apple continue to have their competitor's apps on their phone, or will they start offering other options instead? (ie, a Mapquest or TomTom app to replace Google Maps. Get rid of the YouTube app and just have people use a iphone optimized web version through Safari. Etc) Perhaps more emphasis with Yahoo! now? (God knows Yahoo! could use the boost that tighter iphone integration and the increased exposure to Yahoo! services that the iphone could bring)

It will be interesting to see how nice Apple and Google play together in the future once Android starts making a dent in iphone dominance.

Neutral

Andrew @ Sep 23rd 2008 12:26PM

Just order mine. Can't wait! press conference was great and showed what is only the beginning of what this phone will be able to do. Definitely excited for October 22nd!

Neutral

Michael @ Sep 23rd 2008 1:18PM

Nice phone! Too bad I would never in my life use T-Mobile. And I'm a former T-Mobile employee, LOL!

Neutral

MadHat @ Sep 23rd 2008 1:27PM

Color me impressed. This is the first real competition I've seen to Apple's iPhone. While some could argue it's still lacking in some ways, it's still got others going for it that makes it very compelling. I think things are about to get interesting. Now if someone would just cram 32GB+ into one of these things, I'd ditch my old WinMo. Any bets that Apple will do just that sooner rather than later now that Android has landed?

Neutral

TedP @ Sep 23rd 2008 2:11PM

What is seach??

Neutral

frank @ Sep 23rd 2008 2:33PM

So it uses the Gmail HTML site and not a dedicated mail application? That doesn't sound like a good thing. No matter how good the site is, you're viewing it on a tiny screen.

Neutral

callisto3 @ Sep 23rd 2008 4:45PM

I have to say, the press thingie they held this morning was a total snooze fest! LOL Talk about un-hip. But still, I want this phone. BAD.

Shane, I think you've got the frequencies wrong about the G1 - GSM frequencies in the US are 1900Mhz and 850Mhz. T-Mobile uses just the 1900Mhz frequency and AT&T uses both the 1900 and 850Mhz frequencies.

Neutral

mik @ Sep 24th 2008 10:31AM

no, shane is correct. plase re-read. he was refering specifically to the 3G networks, not the voice/edge/gprs networks

Tmobile uses NA1700MHz for 3G, and ATT uses 850MHz & 1900MHz. The G1 does not support 3G on 850 or 1900MHz.

The G1 will only support EDGE at best over 850/1900MHz, but you could still ue wifi for faster data if it was unlocked and put onto ATT.

Neutral

kapshure @ Sep 23rd 2008 6:58PM

@callisto3 and @shane

here's a great informative link to clear up any confusion:

http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/cou_us.shtml

Neutral

mike @ Sep 24th 2008 10:31AM

great, except the link would lead us to believe that T-Mobile USA does nothave a 3G network.

Neutral

perdant @ Sep 23rd 2008 7:10PM

does anyone know if this phone has threaded txt messaging? for sms

Neutral

Wes @ Oct 16th 2008 6:33PM

As far as the comment goes with not working on AT&T's 3g service it all depends on where you are, since AT&T and T-mobile for the most part use the same towers for 3G in their supplying areas. go here http://www.wirelessadvisor.com/ and type in your zip code to see what frequencies are available in your area. Mine for example is 46250 and AT&T uses:

SYSTEM: 850 MHz, 1900 MHz, 700 MHz(future) -- call freqs

TECHNOLOGY: GSM / GPRS, EDGE, UMTS / HSDPA -- 3G freqs

and the G1 phone supports:

Quad band GSM / GPRS / EDGE: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 -- call freqs

Dual band UMTS / HSDPA / HSUPA: UMTS 1700 / 2100 -- 3G freqs

So at first glance I am good for use of it, but I guess only experimentation will tell. besides if it fails for me I can always sell it on EBAY :)