HTC has a ‘Dream’: That not all Android phones are created equal

March 20, 2008 | MG Siegler | Comments | |

android protoMobile phone manufacturer HTC (High Tech Computer) has given a name to its phone built around Google’s Android platform, the ‘Dream’. The device could be the first phone available that utilizes Android, according to InfoWorld.

Due out towards the end of this year, the phone is said to feature a large touchscreen display but will also have a full QWERTY keyboard. The latter is something which may make it more attractive to certain consumers than Apple’s iPhone, which utilizes a virtual keypad rather than a physical one. This ‘Dream’ keypad would either slide down or swivel out so as to fit on the device’s 5 by 3 inch frame, according to InfoWorld’s source.

Let’s just hope the device looks more attractive than the leaked pictures (shown on the left) of the Android prototype which resembled a TI-83 calculator.

Samsung is also said to be working on an Android device which could come out around the same time. Both Samsung and HTC are members of Google’s Open Handset Alliance, a group of developers committed to making a better mobile phone.

Proponents of Android say that it offers a more open environment from which to develop than a device such as the iPhone. Apple recently unveiled its SDK (software development kit) but some application makers have complained about the constraints of the platform (our coverage).

This news follows yesterday’s that Google has seen a surge in web usage on mobile devices (our coverage). Data earlier in the week showed that most iPhone owners use their device to surf the web (our coverage). Web browsing will be a key component of all Android-based phones.

Also see our thoughts on some of the security risks that could rise from these new breeds of phones.

Next Story: Diigo releases new version, promising that social bookmarking ain’t dead yet
Previous Story: Roundup: Quattrone is back and banking, LiveJournal rebellion and more

Bookmark and Share

Tags: ,

Photo of MG Siegler

About the Author, MG Siegler

MG Siegler writes about technology trends and new media for VentureBeat, with a focus on mobile topics, social elements and key news stories. Before that, MG wrote about technology on his blog, ParisLemon. Originally from Ohio, MG attended the University of Michigan where he studied film. He's previously lived in Los Angeles where he worked in Hollywood and in San Diego where he did web development. He now lives in San Francisco.

  • MC: honestly, I disagree that Android phones will be used primarily for browsing. In fact, they CAN be used in many more ways - much as you use your computer not only for surfing but also for work, gaming, music and video. Think about Android more like about Facebook: it has a platform that can be used in many numbers of innovative ways. Free code allows for much flexibility, and what is not possible on WM, Symbian, or iPhone is possible on Android.

    I suggest you watch very closely the Google Challenge - from watching the community, every day I feel more and more confident we will see there plenty of innovative Android applications that blow the mind away by how revolutionary they are.
  • @Yuri - I don't believe I said that Android phones will be used primarily for browsing - I did say that web browsing will be a key component, which I do believe, but I don't think it will be the primary usage.