October 15th, 2008
Review: Over 260 images and 5 videos of the T-Mobile G1 Google Android device
What’s missing from the G1?: I think the G1 is worth the current price, especially to get 3G and access to the Google Android OS. There are a few things it is currently missing, but with the openness of the OS I think some of these can be added with software utilities. Here is what I think/hope can be updated with either 3rd party updates or firmware updates:
- Improved Bluetooth profiles (A2DP, keyboard, file transfer)
- Better camera functionality (panorama, macro, black & white, etc.)
- Video capture capability
- Video/movie viewer (already provided in the Android Market though)
- On screen text input methods (sometimes I don’t want to open the keyboard)
- Multiple Google Calendar support (even for viewing calendars like we can on the desktop)
- File Explorer (I can’t believe this isn’t on there already)
- Ability to assign keyboard shortcuts to controls (Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS)
- Internet sharing/tethering utility
- Note taking application (this should have been included at launch)
There are also some things that I recommend changing in the hardware for the G2 and this includes the following:
- Headset jack type and placement (it is tough to type with the headset jack plugged in)
- Flash and better camera hardware
- Brighter keyboard backlight with controls for the brightness
- Auto display brightness control
- Stereo speakers
What applications do I hope to see?: There are a few of the items in my list above that could be down here in the applications area, but there are several other applications I would like to see on my G1 and these include:
- Bible application
- eBook reader
- Office Suite (I know this is coming soon from QuickOffice)
- Exchange client
- Screen capture utility (very helpful for review)
- SlingPlayer or HAVA mobile viewing client
- Streaming internet radio application (Last.fm or Pandora)
- Twitter, Jaiku, Facebook, etc. social media applications
- Podcatcher for downloading podcasts directly to the device
- Electronic wallet application
- Games like those from Astraware and those seen on the iPhone with accelerometer support
- Evernote client
- VoIP application
- Windows Live Search or other application for easily finding movies, gas prices, etc.
- Better calculator
Overall thoughts and conclusions: Embedded Linux devices have been around for quite some time and Linux phones are quite popular in China. However, I know that I had to spend a LOT of time tweaking my old Sharp Zaurus devices and these devices remained relegated to the ranks of the geek. The T-Mobile G1 is highly functional out of the box and doesn’t require any tweaking to get things up and running. With the Android Market and the refined OS, even adding applications is quick and easy on the G1. I think this is just the tip of the iceberg for the Google Android OS and with Google behind it along with companies like HTC, T-Mobile, Samsung, Verizon, Motorola, and LG there appears to be a large network of support for the future and I am very excited about what we will see next year.
Even though the G1 is not perfect, I have to say I am extremely happy with the device and am please I purchased one. I have been using devices with QWERTY keyboards and now with the G1 I can use both the QWERTY keyboard and the touch screen on a powerful, functional, solid, and attractive device. I have read many articles where people state how ugly the device is, but when you see it in person it is actually pretty attractive.
Without a doubt, people will compare the G1 to the iPhone and out of the box you honestly have to say the G1 wins over the original iPhone with wireless syncing capability, cut/copy/paste, games, a wireless music store, application store and 3rd party application support, integrated GPS, multiple client IM clients, and multi-tasking capability.
There are definitely a few tweaks and utilities that will be needed very soon to reduce people’s frustrations (including a wireless connection manager) and I can’t wait to see what the developers bring to us. Congratulations Google, T-Mobile and HTC for making a great first generation Google Android device that arrived when you stated over a year ago.
Matthew Miller is an avid mobile device enthusiast who works during the day as a professional naval architect in Seattle. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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| 10/17/08
