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Chris Jacob
Yes! I am SO f'ing glad T-Mobile is getting this! My account is due to an upgrade in July and while I love my G1 it is showing its old age. God I hope they'll put a 1 Ghz processor in that sucker!
@fdisk: The passion is supposed to have a 1 Ghz chip set.
I'm kinda curious as to how people coming up for contract on this are going to be effected. I mean the key here is they're not "getting" the phone. They're "supporting" the phone.
I wonder if Google will be "reselling" connections to T-Mobile's 3G network, assuming they're trying to push the VoiP and data approach. That might explain T-Mobile's recent efforts to expand 3G and upgrade speeds. Was it ever 100% confirmed that "Project Black" referred to T-Mobile's recent pricing restructure, and not... something else?
Any idea on the pricing? Something that you can choose your carrier. Sounds expensive. Nokia does this and their phones are 4-500. I hope I dont have to shell out that much. But could tmobile/att sell them cheaper or is that against the way this phone is gonna work?
@gt50201: I've got a hard time believing that its just going to be an unlocked phone. As you and others point out you can do that now, its just expensive and most people don't want to.
It would be against how it sounds like the phone is going to work if the carriers sold it on a subsidy. I think that google is going to subsidize it themselves. Thats just idle speculation though. I just can't foresee them just saying "here is an unlocked phone, look at how we've revolutionized mobile communication, hopefully it works on your carrier".
@Decadence: I agree an I'm sure they know that too.
That was just speculation on how it was going to relate to t-mobile from a t-mobile blog. Obviously they're going to be pulling for that even if it makes no sense at all.
I was all moist over the Bravo, but if the official 'Google Phone' gives me all the same Android/HTC goodness along with (or at least that picture has always implied) a flash for the camera, it looks like I'll be holding on to my G1 a bit longer.
I'm still down on the high cost of required data plans, but I'm not sure how an HTC phone running android is any more of a Google Phone than the other HTC offerings that have 'with Google' in their branding scheme. Is it just the point of sale that makes it a difference? What's the difference betwen Kohl's Dockers and Levi's store Dockers? I know where I like to shop more, but they both get wrinkled up the same.
Further, HTC and Apple need to take some pointers from the Gizmodo-proclaimed graveyard of smartphones when it comes to cameras. If they did a camera like Sony-Ericsson, Nokia or even Samsung I'd be a lot more excited about their offerings. Some like to say that they are not supposed to be a full fledged camera but why make an all around device that can't do everything as well as the 'worst' in the field. (proud N79 owner)
@tande04: It will only be a change if the non subsidized phone contracts have no cancellation fees, no subsidization fees, no extra fees related to them giving you a free POS phone/selling you one on the "cheap".
If I can buy this phone & all of a sudden my cancellation fees go away then that IS a change. Otherwise Brookspeed is correct. The only change is the point of sale. I already buy my phones unlocked & don't get a discount so this won't change anything imo.
I'm saying there has to be more to it than just selling an unlocked phone.
Like you said you can do that now, there'd be nothing that special about that. What I'm getting at is that google knows that too. If the rumors are coming out of T-mobile I'm thinking its got to be something different. Again, why would it matter that they're saying they'll "support it" like you said, they'd "support" any unlocked phone. For them to know about it already and adding to the rumor mill makes me think there is more to it.
I'm saying there has to be more to the change than just the PoS otherwise its nothing to get worked up about.
What I'm getting at is that if Google releases a phone unlocked for $500 no one is going to care. Nokia has been doing that for ages and they're getting nowhere in the US market. I can't imagine thats the game plan.
@tande04: You guys may be right. I never looked at it like that. It COULD cause the end of cancellation fees & lower prices. Holy shit if everyone was using Google Voice instead of their minutes... carriers are going to freak. I imagine a data plan only future. 30$ a month unlimited data & that's it.
@Segador: Oh yeah. If they didn't want people tweeting it I'm sure they would have said, "don't tweet this" when they handed them out.
Makes more sense to me personally. You just wouldn't want to do it too far from the release of the phone. Rumors are already popping up that say Jan which makes sense from a 'buzz' perspective.
@Segador: Not that it matters, seeing as how this is Android, the OS that allows constant innovation in hardware and software.
I'm actually curious, will this be the year that the iPhone actually gets a real update? First time, add 3G and memory. Second time...add memory and make it faster.
How about some real changes to the OS and hardware?
This is the "iPhone killer" phone that I've been waiting for. When they first rumored this phone to be coming out on Verizon I said I would import the "Bravo" GSM enabled version and use it on Tmobile. This is awesome.
Now there's the decision on whether to wait for this to come out, or to switch to Tmobile now? I need 3G (and I'm not buying a mytouch/contract), so hurry up Google!
@1977twenty3: Personally I'd wait to see what actually happens.
To me it still sounds like its going to be something completely different from what we're used to in the mobile world. I'd wait just because maybe you're not getting a t-mobile plan but a google plan or something like that.
@tande04: "Personally I'd wait to see what actually happens."
No, no, no! Sign contracts based on the rumors that surfaced on Saturday afternoon! We don't need tech specs, reviews, or a firsthand account of what it is!
Don't drink the Apple Kool-Aid. Google is making its own flavor of Kool-Aid. And it will somehow be the only Linux device that has a well-designed UI and is perfectly suitable for the mainstream consumer.
@Joe Stoner: I know but your sarcastic disagreement agreeing with my disagreement didn't agree (or disagree) on the same level.
If he were just switching for the phone I'd of said go for it. Since its a phone that very well may have a whole different pricing/plan scheme I'm saying wait.
I said its ironic because I'm basing my wait on even more wild rumor and rampant speculation. If it was just wild rumor based on a phone its ok in my book ;)
Google is launching a phone of their own that is going to be "supported" by t-mobile. You buy it from google but use t-mobile or at&t as the "carrier". There is a CDMA one so it sounds like its going to be the same deal for the CDMA carriers.
@tande04: I see. So it's made by HTC, but not necessarily an HTC phone... like the Sidekick is made by Sharp, but it's not a "Sharp" device, it's a "Danger" device.
Hopefully it'll have At&t's 3G bands, and not cost more than $400. I had a G1, but hated T-Mobile... and the G1. I want to get back into Android, but I can't sacrifice 3G.
I think it all remains to be seen. What it sounds like to me is that they're going to make it availble to all. Want to use At&t go for it want to use T-mobile go for it, VZW, Sprint, same story.
I imagine its going to be cheap. I can't really foresee google just releasing it as a normal unlocked phone and calling it good. I'd even venture to guess it introduces a whole new low point for phones.
@tande04: YAY! Hopefully it will work, because exclusivity can make some phones sexy. I'm glad it's being made by HTC, though, because I really like their hardware, but I hate their software. But with Google's software and HTC's hardware...
@Hosemaster: Technically any sim-unlocked GSM phone will work on both AT&T and T-Mobile, but since they use different 3G frequencies you usually only get 3G support on one or the other. And who really wants a data-centric smartphone without 3G support these days?
@chefgon: True I don't think thats what they're getting at though.
If this is just some unlocked phone no one is going to care in the end. What I think this is is a smartphone thats going to work differently from other smartphones. You're using AT&T or T-mobile's data but thats it. Maybe unlike how data has always been the add on in the past now they'll give you voice minutes as an add on. I don't know how its going to work I'm just sure its going to work differently.
I'm sure they're not going to just say "eh we'll get 3G on one network and thats good enough." As you pointed out it wouldn't be good enough in this case.
Please the there be a physical keyboard when this comes out.
Coming straight from Google I wonder if it will be unlocked and rooted to start? It they bring it out at decent price it could be the first nail in the coffin of phone being tied to carriers in the US.
"Similar form-factor to the iPhone, but with a smooth-brushed-metal-looking shell" - doesn't appear on first read (assuming that the multiple hypotheses add up!) to be the "passion" pictured above, that looks more "brushed plastic" to my eyes!
If its going to have the same "supported" by set up that its sounds like the GSM device is I think you'll be in the clear.
The part I'm worried about is the plans. Are the plans going to be google too? Am I going to be stuck in my current contract and this phone isn't going to be an option?
@tande04: I still have yet to piece together exactly how Google could have a completely independent phone (I don't think Google owns any cell towers). Best-case scenario, it would be a phone that uses just a data plan, but I'm not sure how that would go over with carriers who likely wouldn't take kindly to being asked to eliminate one of their key products voluntarily.
Or perhaps the "no carrier" part of the rumor is just that. A rumor. This mystery device seems to be all about the device. For all we know it could simply the next default dev phone.
I look forward to seeing where this goes, but as hopeful as I am for Google to simply step in and clean up the carrier mess, they won't go down without a fight. (Except possibly Tmo, who's actually been pretty cool with their plans lately.)
@OCEntertainment: I think the "no carrier" is no single carrier. I'm not perfectly clear on what the end game is either. I get the impression that no one carrier is going to "carry" the phone, but multiple ones (all of them?) will "support" the phone. I don't walk into a t-mobile store and buy the phone (maybe I can do that too though) I buy the phone then get service from who I want. Maybe it does end up being data only service, maybe not. Maybe its going to be a reverse of every phone you've gotten for the last ten years and voice is the add on instead of data?
What I get out of the tmonews articles is that t-mobile is just along for the ride. I'm guessing the other carriers are going to be along for the ride too.
I'm not sure how google is getting them on board. It certainly seems like they've got at least one. Maybe they're subsidizing something on the back end that makes its too good of a deal to pass up, don't know. Makes much more sense for them to work with the carriers then to try and work around them though. Maybe they're just seeing the writing on the wall.
That's how it usually works in Europe anyhow. The individual carriers do sell subsidized phones, but you can always use any phone on any carrier. None of the "I can only get X phone on Y carrier" BS that you have to put up with in the US.
I guess that's what Google would most likely want to have, since there would be no need to make 9898797 variations of their phone. Just make one phone, that works wherever.
Of course with all the incompatible cell phone standards that will probably not happen, especially not if the carriers have any say in the matter, but one can always hope.
I hope this finally means that I can put my G1 to rest. Picking it up at launch felt like a such a privilege. A step in the right direction in the mobile world. But as time flew by, so did great phones I could of had, such as the Droid. Please let this be THE flagship Android device.
@Tha-Militant: I think its going to be the android device.
I'm getting the impression its not going to just be a t-mobile device. Its going to be a phone you buy and pick the carrier. Thats why they're phrasing it as "supported" by t-mobile and not carried by t-mobile.
I find it strange that Google is getting into the hardware game. They could do a superb job of getting their software onto any hardware platform, without antagonizing other manufacturers.
They are already the goto place for maps and search, which not just keep plugging away until they're the undisputed webapps king.
Apple knows how to monetize hardware, music and movies. Google monetizes webapps and ads. It seems to be a pretty good combination. I'd rather have the best of both worlds, rather than have to choose.
So this is the supposed google phone that all the employees were just given? I'm sorry, but that is NOT the iphone on "beautifying steroids." I don't think anyone save Ives and Jobs could actually make an iphone on beauty enhancing drugs
No one really knows what that is a picture of. It was called passion/dragon when it first trickled out on the net but now it sounds like those are two different phones.
Could be the passion but it doesn't match exactly with what the bravo looks like (which is also supposed to be the passion).
Basically there have been a lot of supposed versions of what the passion is I'd wait 'til I actually see one.
@Ben Goldberg: All Android hardware supports multi-touch, even the G1. It's always been software disabled, but HTC turned it on in its Sense UI builds since they weren't "Google experience" phones.
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I'm kinda curious as to how people coming up for contract on this are going to be effected. I mean the key here is they're not "getting" the phone. They're "supporting" the phone.
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[developer.android.com]
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Thats how I'm thinking it works. Though I imagine its not going to be limited to just T-mobile.
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It would be against how it sounds like the phone is going to work if the carriers sold it on a subsidy. I think that google is going to subsidize it themselves. Thats just idle speculation though. I just can't foresee them just saying "here is an unlocked phone, look at how we've revolutionized mobile communication, hopefully it works on your carrier".
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That was just speculation on how it was going to relate to t-mobile from a t-mobile blog. Obviously they're going to be pulling for that even if it makes no sense at all.
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Further, HTC and Apple need to take some pointers from the Gizmodo-proclaimed graveyard of smartphones when it comes to cameras. If they did a camera like Sony-Ericsson, Nokia or even Samsung I'd be a lot more excited about their offerings. Some like to say that they are not supposed to be a full fledged camera but why make an all around device that can't do everything as well as the 'worst' in the field. (proud N79 owner)
12/12/09
I think its more than PoS thats changing its everything from how you get your phones to what you pay to the service.
Maybe it won't be all of that but I'm sure there is going to be more involved in it then just where you're buying the phone.
12/12/09
If I can buy this phone & all of a sudden my cancellation fees go away then that IS a change. Otherwise Brookspeed is correct. The only change is the point of sale. I already buy my phones unlocked & don't get a discount so this won't change anything imo.
12/12/09
I'm saying there has to be more to it than just selling an unlocked phone.
Like you said you can do that now, there'd be nothing that special about that. What I'm getting at is that google knows that too. If the rumors are coming out of T-mobile I'm thinking its got to be something different. Again, why would it matter that they're saying they'll "support it" like you said, they'd "support" any unlocked phone. For them to know about it already and adding to the rumor mill makes me think there is more to it.
I'm saying there has to be more to the change than just the PoS otherwise its nothing to get worked up about.
What I'm getting at is that if Google releases a phone unlocked for $500 no one is going to care. Nokia has been doing that for ages and they're getting nowhere in the US market. I can't imagine thats the game plan.
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try
"nice looking"
"sleek"
"sharp"
"classy"
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Makes more sense to me personally. You just wouldn't want to do it too far from the release of the phone. Rumors are already popping up that say Jan which makes sense from a 'buzz' perspective.
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12/12/09
I'm actually curious, will this be the year that the iPhone actually gets a real update? First time, add 3G and memory. Second time...add memory and make it faster.
How about some real changes to the OS and hardware?
12/12/09
12/12/09
12/12/09
Now there's the decision on whether to wait for this to come out, or to switch to Tmobile now? I need 3G (and I'm not buying a mytouch/contract), so hurry up Google!
12/12/09
To me it still sounds like its going to be something completely different from what we're used to in the mobile world. I'd wait just because maybe you're not getting a t-mobile plan but a google plan or something like that.
12/12/09
No, no, no! Sign contracts based on the rumors that surfaced on Saturday afternoon! We don't need tech specs, reviews, or a firsthand account of what it is!
Don't drink the Apple Kool-Aid. Google is making its own flavor of Kool-Aid. And it will somehow be the only Linux device that has a well-designed UI and is perfectly suitable for the mainstream consumer.
12/12/09
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If he were just switching for the phone I'd of said go for it. Since its a phone that very well may have a whole different pricing/plan scheme I'm saying wait.
I said its ironic because I'm basing my wait on even more wild rumor and rampant speculation. If it was just wild rumor based on a phone its ok in my book ;)
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Google is launching a phone of their own that is going to be "supported" by t-mobile. You buy it from google but use t-mobile or at&t as the "carrier". There is a CDMA one so it sounds like its going to be the same deal for the CDMA carriers.
Just so happens that HTC is making the phone.
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Dev phones were unlocked for developers to use test on where they might not have t-mobile.
This is a completely different approach to how phones are sold to consumers.
12/12/09
Hopefully it'll have At&t's 3G bands, and not cost more than $400. I had a G1, but hated T-Mobile... and the G1. I want to get back into Android, but I can't sacrifice 3G.
12/12/09
I think it all remains to be seen. What it sounds like to me is that they're going to make it availble to all. Want to use At&t go for it want to use T-mobile go for it, VZW, Sprint, same story.
I imagine its going to be cheap. I can't really foresee google just releasing it as a normal unlocked phone and calling it good. I'd even venture to guess it introduces a whole new low point for phones.
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[phandroid.com]
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If this is just some unlocked phone no one is going to care in the end. What I think this is is a smartphone thats going to work differently from other smartphones. You're using AT&T or T-mobile's data but thats it. Maybe unlike how data has always been the add on in the past now they'll give you voice minutes as an add on. I don't know how its going to work I'm just sure its going to work differently.
I'm sure they're not going to just say "eh we'll get 3G on one network and thats good enough." As you pointed out it wouldn't be good enough in this case.
12/12/09
Coming straight from Google I wonder if it will be unlocked and rooted to start? It they bring it out at decent price it could be the first nail in the coffin of phone being tied to carriers in the US.
12/12/09
Rumor is that it is coming unlocked straight from the start.
Rooted I don't know about. I'd imagine they still have a good reason for keeping you out of that part of the phone regardless of who launches it.
12/12/09
"Similar form-factor to the iPhone, but with a smooth-brushed-metal-looking shell" - doesn't appear on first read (assuming that the multiple hypotheses add up!) to be the "passion" pictured above, that looks more "brushed plastic" to my eyes!
12/12/09
At the same time though you've got to question why else it would have a droid on it. The g1 "dogfood" had a droid on the back too.
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If its going to have the same "supported" by set up that its sounds like the GSM device is I think you'll be in the clear.
The part I'm worried about is the plans. Are the plans going to be google too? Am I going to be stuck in my current contract and this phone isn't going to be an option?
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Or perhaps the "no carrier" part of the rumor is just that. A rumor. This mystery device seems to be all about the device. For all we know it could simply the next default dev phone.
I look forward to seeing where this goes, but as hopeful as I am for Google to simply step in and clean up the carrier mess, they won't go down without a fight. (Except possibly Tmo, who's actually been pretty cool with their plans lately.)
12/12/09
What I get out of the tmonews articles is that t-mobile is just along for the ride. I'm guessing the other carriers are going to be along for the ride too.
I'm not sure how google is getting them on board. It certainly seems like they've got at least one. Maybe they're subsidizing something on the back end that makes its too good of a deal to pass up, don't know. Makes much more sense for them to work with the carriers then to try and work around them though. Maybe they're just seeing the writing on the wall.
12/14/09
Step 1: Buy the phone
Step 2: Insert SIM Card into the phone
Step 3: Use the phone
That's how it usually works in Europe anyhow. The individual carriers do sell subsidized phones, but you can always use any phone on any carrier. None of the "I can only get X phone on Y carrier" BS that you have to put up with in the US.
I guess that's what Google would most likely want to have, since there would be no need to make 9898797 variations of their phone. Just make one phone, that works wherever.
Of course with all the incompatible cell phone standards that will probably not happen, especially not if the carriers have any say in the matter, but one can always hope.
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I'm getting the impression its not going to just be a t-mobile device. Its going to be a phone you buy and pick the carrier. Thats why they're phrasing it as "supported" by t-mobile and not carried by t-mobile.
12/12/09
They are already the goto place for maps and search, which not just keep plugging away until they're the undisputed webapps king.
Apple knows how to monetize hardware, music and movies. Google monetizes webapps and ads. It seems to be a pretty good combination. I'd rather have the best of both worlds, rather than have to choose.
12/12/09
After all its still an HTC phone. I think its more about shaking up the carrier world than the handset world.
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No one really knows what that is a picture of. It was called passion/dragon when it first trickled out on the net but now it sounds like those are two different phones.
Could be the passion but it doesn't match exactly with what the bravo looks like (which is also supposed to be the passion).
Basically there have been a lot of supposed versions of what the passion is I'd wait 'til I actually see one.
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Android _
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The Moto Droid lacks multitouch though, right? And officially, isn't Google unable to support it due to some kind of legal battle with Apple?
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There is no active legal battle on the matter. There are a lot of questions about what might happen if they did us support but no real answers.
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