Google introduces its smart phone

Internet search giant joins cellular carrier T-Mobile to unveil first cell phone powered by GoogleÔÇÖs Android software. In a challenge to AppleÔÇÖs popular iPhone, Google and T-Mobile, the fourth-largest wireless carrier in the US, introduced the first mobile phone based on GoogleÔÇÖs Android software, which they hope will bring PC-like features to millions of cell phone users.The T-Mobile G1 is the first step in GoogleÔÇÖs strategy to compete for the attention of consumers who prefer to go online via pocket-sized devices, rather than desktop computers.The device, manufactured by HTC of Taiwan, has a large color touch screen that slides out to give access to a full keyboard and a 3-megapixel camera. The software provides an Internet browser and easy access to Google services such as search, Gmail and YouTube. It also has Wi-Fi wireless networking, GPS navigation and Bluetooth connections. T-Mobile says the batteries will last for five hours of talk time and 130 hours of standby time. Several applications come standard with the phone, but the G1 is also designed to encourage third-party developers to create programs for it. Google has invested millions of dollars in developing the Android software and is giving it away for free to cell phone makers and carriers in hopes that companies will build phones based on Android. The G1, which will be available exclusively from T-Mobile, goes on sale October 22 for $179 (currently $20 cheaper than the iPhone) with a two-year service contract. Users can choose any standard T-Mobile voice plan, but must also buy a data plan in order to use the phoneÔÇÖs Internet features. Following AppleÔÇÖs lead, Google and T-Mobile plan to open a store where users can download applications. Access to Amazon.comÔÇÖs MP3 store will be preloaded on the device.