Google phone finally hits Australian stores

The first phone to use Google’s open-source Android operating system has reached Australian shores, with Optus formally launching HTC Dream.

Manufactured by a Taiwan-based electronics group, the HTC-Dream is the first and only smartphone in the world to use the Google operating system and is seen as a rival to the iPhone.

The phone has been available in the United States since September as the G1, but has only just arrived in Australia.

The phone boasts a touch screen with a resolution of 320×480, a slide-out qwerty keyboard, 3.2 megapixel camera and up to 350 minutes of talk time. The device also has wi-fi capability.

The device uses the open-source Android operating system, which means users are free to find, develop and load applications on to their phones whenever they like. An application store similar to Apple’s App Store has been set up, with paid applications to be made available in the next few months.

So far, Optus is the only telco to say it will offer the phone, while Telstra claims it is considering how the phone would fit into its current sales model. Optus is offering the phone in packages priced between $59 to $129 per month. 

The phone has been received well so far, with reviews labelling the device as the closest competitor to the iPhone.

But Ross Catanzariti from GoodGearGuide says while the phone is a well-made device, it doesn’t quite match up to its Apple rival.

“The HTC Dream is a strong smartphone effort overall, and the Google Android OS has a lot of potential. As it stands this phone is missing some critical hardware and software features that prevent it from being a standout product,” he says.

“Early adopters and gadget freaks will be excited by the new device, but business users and multimedia buffs will not find enough reasons to justify upgrading their current devices.”

Jenneth Orantia from apcmag.com says despite some drawbacks, the phone is a solid buy. “Despite lacking out-of-the-box support for multimedia and the mediocre camera, the HTC Dream is a very strong option for those looking for an easy-to-use smartphone to access the internet and email on.

“Plus you may benefit from the warm and rosy glow of knowing you are supporting a promising new smartphone platform that will give the ever-dominant Apple a run for its money against the iPhone.”

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