19 August 2007

HTC Dream Comes True;
FCC Approves First Google Android Phone

The HTC Dream, billed as the first device to come out of Google Android and the Open Handset Alliance, was approved Monday by the Federal Communications Commission, putting to bed rumors that Android-powered open source devices were running well behind schedule.

According to documents posted by the FCC on Monday, the HTC Dream has received approval. FCC approval, an important hurdle in the device development process, grants permission for wireless devices to be used in the U.S.

While details were scant -- thanks to a confidentiality request HTC filed with the FCC -- the documents hosted on the federal commission's Web site indicate that the HTC dream will operate on the 1700 WCDMA band, which is T-Mobile's 3G network. It will also support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0. The Dream will feature a GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/1900 radio. The device will also sport a "jog ball," which is likely similar to the navigation track ball featured on certain BlackBerry models like the Pearl and the Curve.

Rumors of the HTC Dream, also known as the HTC G1, began circulating in earnest last week when TmoNews, an unofficial T-Mobile blog, reported that the Dream will be the first Google Android-based device. Early reports indicated the Dream will be available for pre-order Sept. 17.

Last week, details indicated that the HTC Dream would feature a large 5-inch by 3-inch touch screen display and a sliding QWERTY keyboard, along with a 3-megapixel camera. Also making appearance last week was a video said to depict an HTC Dream in use.

While T-Mobile has not yet announced availability and service plans for the Dream, TmoNews said last week that users who buy the Dream will be required to use a Google Gmail email account. The device is expected to cost $399, but T-Mobile customers can grab on for $150 during an exclusive week-long pre-sale. Sales to the public will likely come in October, when the device will cost about $250.

Google has said that Android-based devices would hit the market by the end of 2008. That timeline was called into question, however, when reports surfaced indicating that Android-powered handsets had been plagued by delays and may not see the light of day until 2009. Google, for its part, has maintained that Android plans remained on schedule.