Android phone set to launch

HTC is set to launch the G1 in New York tomorrow, the first handset to run on Google's Android platform. The device is thought to have a slide-out qwerty keyboard and a touchscreen interface. Downloadable applications will be available to install on the HTC G1. It will be released first in the US and could be on the market in the UK before Christmas, though there is no information yet about the pricing of G1. Android has been in development since last year and though it is Google's mobile operating system, a group called the Open Handset Alliance (OHA) has been instrumental in the project. The OHA consists of more than 30 technology companies including eBay, Samsung, T-Mobile and Intel as well as Google. HTC, the maker of the G1, is a Taiwan-based company that manufactures handsets, some of which are re-badged by other companies. Most of HTC's smartphone handsets run on Windows Mobile operating systems. Other major players in the smartphone market include BlackBerry and Apple's iPhone. www.openhandsetalliance.com www.htc.com www.google.co.uk