Thinking that Globe already has the exclusive rights to carry the iPhone 3G in the Philippines, other networks would grab competing handsets like the Google Android G2 phone (aka HTC Magic).
Today, Globe announced they are officially offering this Android OS-powered phone to their subscribers. Unlike the Google G1, the G2 sheds off the qwerty keyboard for a large full touch screen.
HTC Magic/Google Android G2
Qualcomm MSM 7201A 528 MHz processor
3.2 inches, 320×480 pixels
accelerometer sensor
handwriting recognition
192 MB RAM, 512 MB ROM (expandable via microSD card)
HSDPA, 7.2 Mbps, HSUPA, 2 Mbps
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
3.15 MP autofocus camera (2048×1536 pixels)
built-in GPS
digital compass
The Android G2 is free with Globe’s GPlan or GFlex 7000 plan.
@Ede, Thanks for the correction. I got this press release from Globe a while back. I’ll point this out to them.
Hi Abe :-) this is Ede Virata, I handle PR for HTC Corporation here in the Philippines. The HTC Magic will be available exclusively under SMART, and will be launched next week. The HTC Magic will be available with Smart Gold postpaid plans.
Both HTC and Smart have confirmed this. The article by David Dizon in ABS-CBNnews.com, published on June 11 2009, is correct.
Hi, Abe — per HTC country manager Mark Sergio, the Magic is exclusively available to SMART. Check here — http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/technology/06/11/09/smart-brings-g2-android-phone-rp
@yuga then it’s probably not the Google G2. The telcos can bring in the HTC Magic Android phone but need to have an agreement with Google in order to brand it the G2.
i want a Pre. =(
Now the Pre and the 3G S just need to hit the phil for all those technophiles :D
@cloud, it comes pre-loaded with Android OS
The HTC Magic’s great especially when your company uses Exchange. A fine Exchange client (not a 1.0 Exchange client) for free is a great deal already.
Now if it’s a myTouch/Google ION branded HTC Magic, that Exchange client goes away…
Are they launching the Google G2 or the HTC Magic? Even if they’re the same phone there’s a big difference between the two since if it’s the G2, it’s preloaded with Google mobile apps and has official Google branding. Otherwise, it’s just a generic Android phone.
Wow…pricey much!
So Globe has once more trumped Smart eh?
Wonder how the other would respond. ;)
@yuga
actually the G2 has the exact CPU/memory/OS specs as the G1 (or DevPhone1).
one thing you’re going to miss – no paid apps yet for most users, except US, UK and a few other places.
@Kelvin: Yeah, they should get the Pre too!
but isn’t it SMART is also going to release the HTC Magic? who’s really the first?
Wow! just got my new phone already. Next time
aus ang globe ah, talagang dinadala nila ang mga sikat na phones here in our country, hmm, ung palm pre ba? ndi kaya nila kukunin un for us?
Catching the niche market huh!.. Maybe Globe is having a good ARPU for those iPhone users.. that’s why they are bring in another exclusive phone..
Did Smart launched an exclusive phone years ago?.. I think Amazingphone ata tawaga dun.
Is Globe replicating such feat?
@Miguel – am asking for the SRP or prepaid price. Sure must be more expensive than iPhone 3G.
@MP – hoping to borrow one for a review. ;)
waiting for your review on this model.
If it takes a 7000 plan to be free… the cash price must be expensive!