Yes it won't be long before you can flaunt your very own Google phone (or the G1 as it has been called.) Already launched in the US, this phone is expected to hit the Indian markets by early next year. So we cut the crap to tell you what makes this G wonder different from the rest of the phones floating around:
Android: Even though you may have heard of the term, we bet you don't know what it really is. You might even be referring to it as the model name. For all you ignoramuses out there, Android is actually the software that Google has developed for the G1. What it gives you is media access to Google mail, Google Map with Street view, you tube, Google insta message service in your palm.
Unique unlock pattern: The keypad lock has to be opened using a particular pattern of joining the dots on the screen, pretty much like the dot game we used to play as kiddies. There is no coding in numbers. All you have to do to unlock the phone is to run your finger over the screen in the saved pattern (one of your choice, like the Egyptian codes you see in the Mummy movies.)
An Iphone and Blackberry hybrid? The slide out keyboard on the phone seems to be a hybrid version of the I-phone and the Blackberry. Even though there are keys on the touchscreen, it still gives you the option of having your small and flat keyboard and a trackball like the Blackberry a well thought out option in case either of them gives way! Furthermore, you have the option of switching looks from the youthful I-Phone touch screen to the business look of the Blackberry with one slide⦠Definitely cool!
Music on demand: The G1 won't be entertained by Apple's iTunes store, but one of the initial applications will be a music store from Amazon.com Inc, which will let users download songs directly to the phone. Surprisingly, the songs will have no copy protection. As a result, about six million tracks will be available on the G1 at the touch of a button. Any music lover would kill to have this feature!
Amateur programmers rejoice: The Android UI is open source and can be upgraded or added to. So bye-bye monotonous software! Developers will be able to submit applications to an online store run by Google, which will of course test and verify this software before you get your hands on it. Google hopes to capitalise on the fact that anyone can write programmes that will run free of charge on an Android powered phone. Apple launched a similar store for the iPhone this year, but keeps much tighter control over what applications are available. It has blocked programmes that compete with its own, so no philanthropic spirit here. So far, free applications that have been created for Android phones include 'BreadCrumbz', a GPS-style navigation system that not only gives users a drawing of the route, but also includes real-world photos of the surroundings. GeoLife, is a to-do list that is aware of your location, so a user will be able to get a reminder to do shopping when he or she is near a supermarket. This is serious stuff! I think it could replace your PC or maybe the GPS in your expensive car! What say?
