T-Mobile G1 with Android OS

Over the past few weeks or so, one of the biggest tech news that came out was the launch of T-Mobile G1. Of course, the big attraction for the tech community wasn't the handset, but it was the Android OS in that mobile phone.

Again, I'll have to bitch about the fact that here in Singapore, we don't get to experience the look and feel of the device. I can only "sense" it via pictures and videos on the Internet. My immediate reaction was, "geez, that looks pretty ordinary". But after watching the videos posted by Google engineers, well it certainly looks promising indeed.

Check this out:


My personal opinion is that the Android will take off, and make a sizable dent in the mobile phone OS market. Why? I'm just inferring from current trends.

1. Convergence of functionality into a mobile phone
We used to have a separate MP3 players, a digital camera, a mobile phone, a folded map, PDA, etc etc. Now, we have everything onto 1 device, that is the mobile phone. Advancement in technology has brought us much convenience (in small and sexy packages no less). Seems that the mobile phone is our window to the world, and we can't really live without it. This consumer demand benefits not only Google or Apple, but the entire mobile phone industry. This brings me to point number 2.

2. Increased demand for personalization and customization
If I am so reliant on the mobile phone, I would want applications on it to work for me. An iPhone/GPhone guitar tuner application will be useful for me, a classical guitarist, but probably not for somebody who can't differentiate a "do" from a "re". In other words, I would want things to be personalized. One notable example is the Firefox browser. In contrast to Internet Explorer, you can choose from thousands of addons and install them into Firefox to suit your lifestyle. This, I feel, is the secret sauce to their success. If Android is as "open" as they claim to be, together with a critical mass of independent developers, the possibilities are endless.

The final factor on why I think Android will be a success is that fact that unlike the iPhone, the OS will be compatible across manufacturers. Now, Google has LG, HTC, Samsung and Motorola into the "Alliance". Perhaps in the future it can get other manufacturers such as Nokia and Sony Ericsson on board. What does this mean? If I had previously used a Motorola phone with an Android OS, I can switch to a Samsung phone with the same Android OS, and have more of less the same usage experience. All my personalized settings and applications are still there. No need for convoluted porting processes or lengthy conversions. I assume this is what the Alliance is for. Otherwise, then what?

I can't wait to get my hands on an Android powered phone. But hey, I also want an iPhone. Google, or Apple? Whatever it is, it's great for us consumers.