Google Android

Google and T-Mobile are teaming up for the long awaited release of the Google Android, the billion dollar company's first foray into the cell phone industry. With a price point that is cheaper than the 3g Iphone($199) at $179 and a slew of google services integrated into the phone, this could give Apple a real run for its money come October 22 when the phone debuts.

The Android operates on a Linux OS and will have a SDK for developers well in advance of the phone's retail reelase. A lot of apple's key GPS features run on the Google Maps/Earth system. Something that google can certainly claim propriety rights to now that they have their own cell phone. Anyone in the business world knows google has some of the best database, calendar, chart generators, and other useful applications in the market. All of these things will be compatible and/or integrated with Android. My only real beef with the phone is the web browser. It'll be built in with Google's new Chrome browser which I'm not too fond of and its a pretty stripped down browser when you compare it to Firefox, Safari, or even the beta version of IE 8. I have a feeling a lot of people will be downloading their own browsers for better customization, I use Opera on my blackberry which I find to be pretty reliable.

Time will tell how the Gphone/Iphone battle will end up, but Google certainly seems to be going head on with its competition with a sleek design, full qwerty keyboard, developer friendly app's, and the whole line of google services and products. Gmail built in your phone is a indeed very sexy thing.