After a week of playing with Google and HTC’s new Android phone, I can say that there’s a huge promise with the platform. See unboxing photos here and specs here.
Let’s break it down to two main components and focus there — hardware and operating system.
Hardware Construction and Design. Off the bat, the G1 phone is hideous — period. We’ve seen a lot of phones coming out of HTC but the HTC Dream is a really odd one. I think this model was conceptualized way back in 2003. And despite the plastic body, it still feels heavy and bulky to the hands.
A number of people asked me why the phone is angled at the bottom end. I realized the slight protrusion was done to give a better grip when handled horizontally and positioned to take pictures.
The well-spaced qwerty keyboard benefited from the wide body of the G1. Since the keypads are hidden from the slider, the individual keys are buried into the pad you don’t get much feedback when typing on them. The keyboard is also oriented heavily on the left side that your right thumb will have a hard time reaching the middle keys.
In the front panel, there are 5 buttons and a trackball that serves as main navigation and shortcuts for phone use. The trackball at they middle is very easy to use especially when running thru long lists like your Contacts or Playlist and crawling thru objects and links when browsing. It also serves as an Ok button.
At first glance, the lever that supports the slider looks like it’s made of plastic and could be a problem when it breaks off. However, the spring mechanism is constructed in metal so it may last prolonged usage. The phone makes some squeaking noise when applied with pressure or when flipped — sounds like walking over a bamboo floor.
The UI and Operating System. This is the first time I’ve used a new OS on a mobile phone. We’re already pretty familiar with the Symbian OS, Windows Mobile, Palm OS and iPhone OS. The Google Android platform performs better for a first generation OS. It’s fast, it’s responsive and integrates really well with Google Apps.
The main interfaces works like a desktop with icons scattered across 3 panes. It’s like an extended desktop you can flick across (similar to the iPhone but only limited to 3). There’s also a sidebar that extends across the screen which contains shortcuts to a lot functions or installed apps. What’s really nice is that alerts are non-intrusive — there’s a small one-liner ticker that slides at the top of the screen to indicate SMS and other notifications (along with a vibrate and buzzing sound).
The iPhone OS of Apple works seemlessly with the iPhone because the plaform was tailor-made for it. Likewise, Android was also tailor-made for the G1 and thus, you get an optimized UI and performance. The menus are intuitive and responds very well. There are some minor quirks here and there but overall, the OS performs in top shape.
Imagine having this platform on your favorite phone? The T-Mobile G1 is just a test model. Once we see more and more models go out with Android in it, the clearer it becomes to us that the platform is truly a solid contender against the iPhone OS.
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android is really a Smart Phone
http://www.topblogs.com.ph/out/6820
Horrible aesthetics, competent functionality. I wish they would’ve made it look nicer.
so would it be possible to install Android someday on a Windows Mobile device phone? i am on WM6.1 and I hate hate it.
@iko – yes, Google might do one for WM devices in the future.
wow..naman
yes since open source ang g1 phone, really interesting phone ang g1.:)
pls have a review on samsung m8800
I should get me one of these babies. Is this better than the iPhone?
A big thankx to the Android platform, Nokia reacted with open source Symbians starting 2009. a good news for nokia symbian fans.
It will be much better if it doesn’t look “so plastic.” I want it to have a sleeker and shinier body.
it is better kung much cheaper or 30% ang baba nya kaysa sa ibang smartphones. Bibili na ako nyan. i think it is good and nice i don’t the other features.
do any of you know where this phone can be bought in the phil? thanks!
Try Virra Mall in Greenhills.
To those who are already using their G1s: i just bought my own G1 phone from the US and it’s been sitting in my drawer for 3 wks now coz i can’t use it. i had it unlocked already, but it can’t access to the internet and would always say i have a problem with my sim (i’m using SMART). i can’t figure out the APN settings. i think i need to set it manually but i don’t know how. if anybody knows how i can activate and finally use my G1 phone, pls be an angel and email me at joei_f@yahoo.com..i will very much appreciate it. thanks:)
I’m having the same problem as Rochelle…I can’t get past the activation screen. To those using the G1 with Globe, what are the APN settings?
Anyone out there! can u help me how can i use my G1. I have the same PROBLEM just like N ‘n Rochelle di ko rin magamit ang G1 ko.
Thank you for giving this matter your prompt attention and we are looking forward to your favorable response to my concern.
Looks like Google is on to something. Look, the USS Enterprise looks like a sink (when viewed from the top), but it can travel at light speeds. This phone, ugly or otherwise, sure delivers.
is the g1 already available in the philippines? and if it is, how much will it cost me?
i have one now …. and its great …..
have a g1 but accidentally restored everything to factory settings now i cant get pass the activation thingy.. anyone knows APN settings for globe? i only know the smart one, for Rochelle try this..
MMS Settings
MMSC: 10.102.61.238:8002
Proxy: 10.102.61.46:8080
MMS-APN: mms
Username: Leave it blank
Password: Leave it /> EDGE-APN: internet
Username: Leave it blank
Password: Leave it blank
saan po ba kayu nag pa open lyn ng g1 phone… nees help talga… tnx…
email me dwl_lim1988@yahoo.com
saan po ba kayu nag pa open lyn ng g1 phone… nees help talga… tnx…
nag automatic connect sa net. magasto sa load..
Just want to know kung pwd ba ma open ang G1 ko sa pinas? saan? Please help me @ mfcbranch@yahoo.com
hi
i was gifted by my brother google android phone but i am not able to access any services because i dont have internet settings could u please any one mail me i am useing idea postpaid connection
i can’t get my g1 to work again right after i reset it… im so stuck in setting up an account. pls someone help me pls…..
heeelppp…………..
as posted above:
APN settings
MMS Settings
MMSC: 10.102.61.238:8002
Proxy: 10.102.61.46:8080
MMS-APN: mms
Username: Leave it blank
Password: Leave it /> EDGE-APN: internet
Username: Leave it blank
Password: Leave it blank
to unlock:
- go to st francis square behind megamall they charge around 5k
how much is this in the philippines anyway…i really want a new phone.hndi na me makapaghintay…sna mura lng
I have this phone and it’s really awesome. I like the idea that they gave it a keyboard aside from the on-screen keyboard that it has. Almost all of the apps are free. For the gamers, the G1 has a SNES emulator, and from what I’ve heard, there will be a PSX emulator coming soon. So that means, you can download all the ROMS you want and play it using the phone. You can only get that on the iphone if it’s already been jailbroken (unlocked). Another feature I like about this phone is it has an expandable memory. Design wise, it’s okay. I’m not a big fan of the design. It looks too plain for me. and the thing that bothers me is it doesnt have an audio slot (headphones, whatever you call it). I love the desktop interface. you can add widgets, shortcut icons, folders, individual contacts, etc.
Greetings,
I just got mine from V-mall its great i love the
voice text / search functions, i just click the mic and say what i want to google and it shows up immediately i even browse youtube using voice.. google map is also great i know exactly where i am and what st with one click…
for globe users here is ahow to activate your g1
Postpaid:
APN: internet.globe.com.ph
Prepaid:
APN: http.globe.com.ph
Thats it.. enjoy!
Hi!
Please participate in the Smart Mobile Developer Challenge by casting your votes at http://vote.smartvasnet.com/mobdev/ I will not ask you to vote for our entry but instead, whoever you think has the best idea.
Thank you!
Will the HTC Magic or G1 work only with Postpaid plans? I’m travelling to Manila next month and I have my TMobile G1 unlocked. However, I’m not sure if the email (Google) or data will work with prepaid plans. Can someone please verify? If yes, which prepaid plans should I get from the companies (Globe and Smart)
Thank you!
Do not buy their products. Say no to World Domination.
i just both my G1 phone from T-mobil. my questions are how much is to unlock my phone and where to unlock my phone. ill be going to the philippines next week and i need your help pls.
hey to those who cant use thier g1 because they have to register it first (google login/pass) before getting to use the phone
follow the instructions here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=452316
i got mine working and its awesome, got it rooted and have the cyanogen rom running. id be glad to help if your in the makati area. email me
rommel.cruz@gmail.com
Sirs, anyone who already tried Android 2.0 in there G1. Update naman po kayo kung smooth yung takbo Android 2.0 compare to 1.6. Thanks for the update.
has anybody gotten their g1 to work with smart or globe’s 3g? mine doesnt even get a 3g signal and im in the makati area.. also in the settings just use 2g network is unchecked, anybody have any ideas?
thanks
rommel
hi, i can access to the internet using gprs using globe but when i open my gmail, gtalk, market or even im i cannot access on this. the only thing i do is browse to web. anyone who can help me or us in this issue.
thanks
Hi I just fixed my problem. Thanks
share mo naman what u did and what are your apn settings pls.
@rommel
try this,
myGlobe GPRS
APN: http://www.globe.com.ph
Proxy: 203.177.042.214
Port: 8080
APN Type: httpproxy
myGlobe INTERNET
APN: http.globe.com.ph (for prepaid)
internet.globe.com.ph (for postpaid)
Actually EDGE ang nakukuha kong signal pero try mo yung myGlobe GPRS lalabas sa status bar mo “3G”.
Yung configuration na yan gaing din kay sir yuga kalikutin mo lang ng onti generic kasi yung tutorial nya eh. pero OK.
Thanks
too many keys. they should have made it simpler with fewer keys like the modu phone.
arg! ayaw talaga lumabas “3g” or edge or whatever sa status bar ko, same with my aunts g1, and im in makati, i should be getting those. and correct me if im wrong but even if i have the APN settings wrong i should still get those signs cause it only means im getting 3g signal. apn settings is what tells the phone where to try to connect to..
thanks
rommel
The settings is correct,
i had the same problem at first
but it was my sim, i borrowed my friends globe sim
and it worked.. i was able to register the phone then i downgraded it and updated using the latest cyanogen now it has the option to skip the gmail regisration or log in:)
Jamie,
so your saying my sim is the issue? i tried a globe sim, and a smart sim and no “3g” sign, i also tried a sun sim but that didnt get a signal. btw i tried two different globe sims. i have no problem logging in cause i always use wifi. but it would be nice to be able to use the google maps when im on the road lost somewhere, but it would require 3g to download the maps.
thanks
rommel
correct im sure its the sim,
Make sure the globe sim you use had gprs access before para sure ka na gumagana yung sim, make sure it has enough credits kasi when i used my friends sim it did not work the 2nd time yun pala walang load na.
You can also bypass the gmail activation but it depends on you frimware version
here is the link:
http://forum.gsmhosting.com/vbb/archive/index.php/t-781450.html
i used http.globe.com.ph for apn
and it worked fine.
until now my sim does not work and i dont know why, ill probably call globe soon to check whats wrong with my sim…
once activated download the goggles application its so nice you can take pictures of things and it will google it for you:)
pls.. where magpaopenline ng G1,,.. plss.. i nid help to anybody
We used are G1 last December 2009 till last week when we were in Manila. Ok naman lahat, we were able to use it, email, data, even google maps (kaya palaging nauubos ang load ng Mr. ko dahil tuwang-tuwa siya sa google maps sa Pinas!). I bought 3 Smart Pinoy SIMs sa ebay sa US so we have SIMs pagland sa Manila kaagad.
When we first used the phone, ang nakita kong problem was we had to search for a network. I had to do the following to all phones:
Settings >Wireless Controls > Mobile Network > Network Operators chose the network.
Then, I had to go to:
Settings > Wirless Controls > Mobile Network > Access Point Names : enable Smart and then check for the settings.
I just had to switch off the Background Data sa email at malakas mag-consume ng load. I just do refresh every hour to check my emails..or kung kelan ko trip mag-check.
3G sign was no problem too. Well, at least nakalagay sa top portion ng phone na 3G ang signal.
hehe yes i love my google map i use it when i have to deliver orders
you can install apndroid from the market para u can control your internet usage at hindi maubus yung load mo:)
G1 is good and it’s looks and it’s functions no question about it. The problem are the 1. trackble itself is it last long kung mahirap mag navigate kung sira ang trackble 2. kung walang hindi touch screen pano mo magagatin yung up and down scroll 3. kung hindi handwriting recognition matagal ang pag-gawa ng message (edit and reply.
ok na po b gumamit ng g1 d2 pinas kahit galing us ung sakin? thanks po sa reply.. I appreciate it
nath:
Nagbakasyon kami last December hanggang Jan. 2 sa pinas at gamit namin ang T-Mobile G1 namin. I had it unlocked by T-Mobile dahil matagal na akong customer, pero ang nakakagulat pati yung sa 9 year old child ko na kabibili ko lang pumayag silang i-unlock!
Sundin mo lang yung pinost ko sa taas at tignan ang APN (depende sa gamit mo Globe or Smart) kung tama.
Ako tuwang-tuwa gamitin, ultimo pag-surf sa net kapag may kailangan ako, kagaya ng paghanap ng lyrics sa kanta ng biglaan nagawaw ko.
tocampo:
Thanks po.. cguro I just nid na paunlocked muna ung G1 sa T-mobile before i used it in the Philippines.. Thanks again…
Marami ren naka G1 sa pinas grabe! Tanong lang. Alam ko na off-topic toh.. Meron ako Motorola Cliq sa T-Moblie.. Pwede ko ba gamitin sa pinas? Pano ko ma uunlock?
Thanks!
arvee2:
If you are in the US, you can ask TMobile to unlock it. Sabihin mo you’ll be travelling outside the US and will be using the SIM from that country dahil kailangan iyon. Kapag matagal ka na sa kanila, they will do it or yet, kapag naka-atleast 90 days ka na, they will unlock it.
Make sure you do not call from your T-Mobile phone since the rep would be verifying the IMEI you need the unlock code for.
After about 3 days, they will email you the codes and instructions to unlock the phone.
Hope this helps, madali lang ito at mabilis wala ka pang gastos