The HTC Dream, released in the US on 22 October 2008, finally became available in Australia on the 5 February 2009 through the Optus network. Let’s take a look at what the fuss is all about.
Intro
The HTC Dream, also known as the T-Mobile G1 in Europe and the US, is the first smart phone to run on the Android mobile device platform. This open-sourced operating system originated in a small start up company that was bought out by Google in 2005. Since then, Google has been instrumental in the formation of the Open Handset Alliance, an organization that will oversee the compliance issues related to the manufacture and source code development of the Android system.
All technical jargon aside, what this really means for mobile device users and software developers alike is a more diverse smart phone experience. Already the phone comes packed with built-in Google functions, such as G-Mail, search capabilities, Internet connectivity, Google Maps with built-in GPS, and a You Tube player, as well as having a built-in 3.2 megapixel camera.
HTC, the Taiwanese manufacturer of the phone’s hardware, has created a sleek and understated phone that really lets the content do the talking. The matte finish comes in three colours, brown, black and white, and comes complete with a touch screen for most functions and a QWERTY keyboard for emailing.
A rival for the iPhone?
As with most products released for the first time, the HTC Dream has its share of hits and misses, but its potential for development is most definitely there. It doesn’t rival the iPhone’s ability to seamlessly download and organise music, but rather has an almost clunky music feature. It also doesn’t allow for multiple touch screen function, with patenting rights for this technology firmly in the hands of the iPhone.
Where the HTC Dream does win is in its Google-based applications. For instance, through the use of a Google account, you have instant back-up of all G-mail contacts between the PC-based application and your phone. This means that if something happens to your phone, your contact list is never compromised.
The future or the open source based coding of Android has exciting prospects for the future too. As more companies begin to design specifically for mobile devices, the Linux-based platform will no doubt enable an unforseen amount of software development specific for Android use. The Android Market, already available for HTC Dream handset users, contains a growing choice of applications made specifically for the system that users can browse and download.
Where can you get one?
As at the time of writing, the HTC Dream is only available in Australia through the Optus network. Their package apparently allows larger than normal data packages to be sent back and forth, so that users can fully explore the potential of the handset.
A word of warning: if you’re about to jump up and go and get yourself one, it might be better to wait. In January, Telstra signed a deal with HTC to distribute the HTC Magic handset in Australia. As the second Android smart phone to be released by the manufacturer, this phone is no doubt going to be a vast improvement on the G1.
