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First Android is here! It’s HTC G1!

After watching many videos, reading all the technical blogs and even think about it for a while – here’s couple of things I came up with regarding the Android’s first phone:

5 things I like about HTC G1:

1. It’s Open!

Well, think about the great things the XDA-Developers are doing and now double it up with the possibilities that the Android will bring. No doubt – things are going to get spicy here in the mobile arena.

2. The Google way

As much as I like the Microsoft tools, there are areas in which Google brings simplicity into a higher level: Google Analytics is an example of a great reports dashboard that brings exactly what is expected of it. There are bunch of other useful tools from Google which I find innovative not in their looks but more around functionality.

3. Multi-Task Mobile OS

While Windows Mobile users may find it obvious, other phones don’t have this capabilities; Palm, Rim, iPhone are all running one application at a time.

4. Integration to Google’s Services

Many of us are using different services from Google, in this respect, Google’s Android will enjoy some advantage over his competitors.

5. Hey, it’s just version 1.0 isn’t it?

There are a lot of bad things to say about the Android and HTC Dream, but hey, let’s wait a couple of months and see how it evolves.

5 things I Don’t like about HTC G1 (And the Android):

1. It’s Open…

Well, think of all the problems you may encounter with so many different versions of the OS on top of so many different devices. Not to mention different UI concepts each developer can make, causing the average user a lot of frustration.

Users need clear concepts, seamless look and feel, and consistency. Open source (in this respect) means more troubles for the end users.

2. The Google way

Most of Google’s services are designed for Internet use. As much as I see the benefits of it – I still prefer having all my documents stored and maintained locally. A good example for that is that I no longer write my Mobile Spoon blog from the Blogger interface, instead I’m using Microsoft’s Live Writer which is SOOOOO MUCH BETTER. I would like my phone to be completely functional offline. Can the Android do that?

3. No easy integration with Outlook

From what I’m reading there’s no easy way to integrate with outlook (both over the air and via desktop syncing). Even if it can be solved using 3rd party applications – for me this is not just a disadvantage, it’s a big no-no.

4. Look and feel

You have to be kidding me: After releasing state of the art devices such as the Diamond and the Touch HD – this is the best thing HTC could come up with? Is it a Microsoft scheme?

The Android user interface looks better than the device itself, but still, no big news around here as well.

It all looks a bit too 80’s, don’t you think?

5. Too little, too late?

What will be the positioning of the Android? Did Google think about it?

- Windows Mobile is the powerful platform

- BlackBerry is the perfect tool for business men

- iPhone is shiny and appealing

- Palm is the current looser

What will the Android be?

Gil Bouhnick (59 Posts) - Website | Twitter | Facebook

Gil Bouhnick is a guest writer at MobilitySite and the owner of The Mobile Spoon. He is a Director of Mobile Solutions at ClickSoftware, running ClickSoftware's MobileFever, and constantly trying to examine new mobile trends and technologies.