14 DAY TRIAL // The first Android-based mobile phone in the world has just got axed. We're referring here, of course, to the T-Mobile G1, also known as the HTC Dream, the handset which opened the door to a new approach for mobile devices, services and smartphone usage. Officially, no more brand new G1 devices can be found available for purchase out there, something that marks the end of an era, that's for sure.
T-Mobile USA, Amazon.com, Wirefly.com, and LetsTalk.com have already removed the old Android-based mobile phone from their listings, almost two years after the handset was officially unveiled to the world. September 2008 brought the big announcement regarding Android's and G1's release on T-Mobile's airwaves, and, 22 months later, things are quite different.
With G1, Google showcased a new approach to mobile. The handset came with enhanced Internet connectivity options, played all its cards on this area. Today, the latest Android flavor out there, Froyo (Android 2.2) enhances this Internet connectivity even more, with fast access to a wider range of Google services, with better support for websites via Flash Player integration, and with improved social networking capabilities support.
According to some, the first Android-based device was not able to impress that much. Moreover, some even say that it seemed rather cheap. It specs list included a 528MHz Qualcomm processor, along with a 3.2-inch touchscreen display that delivered a 320 x 480 pixel resolution, a 3-megapixel camera with no flash and, of course, that side sliding QWERTY keyboard that still make some enthusiasts feel nostalgic.
For what it's worth, the G1 is not dead. It would still be used as a developer device, while enthusiasts would continue using it for a while longer for sure. All in all, it would remain in Android user's hearts as the first mobile phone to bring Google's mobile operating system to the market. Android has come a long way since, and the same can be said about G1's maker, HTC, which managed to top the Android charts with devices like Nexus One, Desire, DROID Incredible, or EVO 4G.
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