Manufactured by Taiwan-based phone manufacturer HTC, the new phone has a Google operating system which is set to wreak havoc on sales of Windows Mobile based phones and a large touchscreen, which slides up to reveal a QWERTY keyboard. It also has a 3-megapixel camera.
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However one big downfall is that it has no desktop-synchronisation software which means that the only way to get an address book and calendars onto the G1 will be to upload them to Gmail and Google Calendar.
It also has limited compatibility with third party files. It will only be able to read Microsoft Office files however users will not be able to not edit them. The new music player will only be able to read MP3, Windows Media and AAC files. If you want more you'll need to wait for a third-party to provide some sort of add-on to sync your iTunes library to the phone.
Content downloaded from the Apple iTunes Store is restricted with Apple's "digital rights management" locked out.
Another problem will be when users come to attach the new phone to their Bluetooth device as it initially only support only hands-free kits, with "A2DP" stereo-sound. File transfers are also limited.
The Australian models will have Wi Fi and the ability to run third party applications. Users will also be able to access Google Maps as well as extensive information on organisations who advertise with Google and as predicted by 4Square Media the new phone uses the Google chrome browser which makes searching for information extremely easy.
A key feature of the new HTC is Google Maps which delivers both map's satellite-photo and the recently launched Street View service. Also added is a location compass which shows a Street View of your surroundings. This changes as you walk or turn around however the best results are achieved when the phone is held in front of you.
