Cyberspace is abuzz with news of the launch of the much-anticipated Google phone (HTC Dream, T-Mobile G1, HTC G1) next week. Yup, after almost two (three?) years in development, the mobile telephone tailored to run on Google's Android software is to debut next week in New York City. In fact, T-Mobile, the phone's official carrier has sent out invitations for the launch of the gadget on September 23 as a Google phone built by Taiwanese firm HTC. Reports say the device will be available for sale in stores as early as October.

Strictly speaking though, it's not actually a "Google phone" in the same way that an iPhone is an Apple phone, it just runs on the Google Android platform and built by HTC. Otherwise known as the HTC Dream, HTC G1 or the T-Mobile G1 smartphone, the new "Google phone" is rumored to be priced around the $200 range. According to CrunchGear, "an insider involved with the development of Android confirmed to us that the HTC Dream will set you back just $200 bucks
after contract. While they weren’t able to provide a sans-contract price, they did say that T-Mobile’s subsidization wasn’t very large." With the new iPhone priced at $199, this sounds reasonable enough. But then again, it all depends on what features consumers are going to get with the new Google Android phone.

According to reports, Google is hoping Android will become the dominant operating system for mobile phones. It is designed to improve the speed and quality of using the Internet on handsets. Android is being developed as an "open source" platform, meaning anyone is free to use the technology to make mobile telephones compatible with the networks of multiple carriers.

Though nothing else is known about the new Google Android phone (HTC Dream, T-Mobile G1) as of press time, there are a few unconfirmed "leaks" on the net. According to Garett Rogers of ZDNET, a poster on the mobileburn forum claims to have seen the following list of features of the Google phone. Interestingly, this says the Google phone is designed by Samsung(?). Now, I'm confused!

Google makes relevant information and communication tools easily accessible wherever you are

The Google Phone brings the power of the internet in your pocket, in a simple and intuitive device. It combines the traditional voice and SMS capabilities of phones with all the exciting Google services from the PC such as Search, Gmail, Maps, Blogger…

The Google Phone, designed by Samsung, is a very thing and stylish handset with a large screen and a QWERTY keypad so that it provides a real internet experience.

All these internet services will be available under a simple Internet monthly flat fee, comparable to PC Broadband products, giving you transparency and control over your mobile bill. Thanks to simple, relevant advertising, Google will even give you a 3 month discount on your mobile Internet monthly flat fee.

There is even a screen shot of the purported unit. It's the one on the left. (I found the other photo of the Google phone on the China Daily site)

Google Android phone photos: which is the real one?

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Update: the new Google Android phone or T-Mobile G1 (whatever!) has just been released and it's nothing like any of the ones pictured above. Actually, it even looks more boring than these bogus shots. I'm still trying to read up the new gadget and will reserve further comments later.

Update: First Look: the Google Android (T Mobile G1) phone (with photos)

Wikipedia, on the other hand, lists the following features of the HTC Dream:

* A capacitive touchscreen
* Full QWERTY 5-row keypad that slides away when not in use]
* 115 mm × 55 mm (4.53 in × 2.17 in), 16 mm (0.63 in) thick
* Internet navigation button controls
* 3.6Mbps HSDPA
* 1150mAh battery
* 128MB RAM / 256MB ROM
* Qualcomm MSM7201A processor at 528MHz.
* 3.1MP camera (no flash), 2048 × 1536 resolution
* Screen size is 3.17 inches (81 mm) with HVGA (480 × 320)

Well, with only three days to go before the official announcement of the Google Android phone (T-Mobile G1, HTC Dream, HTC G1, whatever), we'll soon find out which of these photos and features are bogus (maybe they both are!) and the world will finally see Google's new tool in its quest for world domination.

Read more: a first look: the Google Android (T Mobile G1) phone (photos) | new pictures of Google Phone | Rumor: HTC Dream (G1) to sell for $200? | T-Mobie Android phone launches September 23rd

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Google Android phone (G1) ready for launch (photos)

Google Android phone photos: which is the real one?

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