Google’s Android phone, the HTC Dream, is apparently approved by FCC — Nov. 10 is the latest release date

Updated

The Federal Communications Commission has approved the much anticipated Google Android phone, and documents suggest a release date of about Nov. 10 at the latest.

That’s because in the document, the manufacturer of the phone, HTC, requests the Commission grant it a short-term confidentiality request on its design attachments until Nov. 10th, 2008.

If Nov. 10 turns out to be Android-HTC release date, this is in the window of our recent prediction it would be released between Oct. 15 and Nov. 30.

Note the Nov. 10 date could be used to confuse people intentionally. The FCC request by Apple for the iPhone, for example, had a longer confidentially request than it really needed (three weeks in that case).

Engadget broke the news of the FCC approval. The FCC documentation makes it clear that the most exciting things about the phone may remain confidential until as late as Nov. 10.

Documentation is here from HTC regarding fact that it has authorization, and a WiFi interoperatibility certification is here.

It has already been widely reported that the phone is called the HTC Dream. In the documentation, the handset is listed as type: “Dream,’ and model: “DREA100.” There’s also mention of a “jogball,” which has been seen on the handset in videos that have circulated.

The attachments for which confidentiality is requested include 1) schematic design, 2) block diagram, 3) theory of operation and 4) BOM.

Here are the next steps in the Android process:
1) release of public SDK [Update: This final Android SDK release has just happened.]
2) ADC winner
3) announcement
4) release

[Update 2: Google just published a roadmap that looks rather similar to the one we outlined.]

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  • I recall some talk months ago about one aspect of the android may be phone services paid for or subsidized by ads (e.g., users agree to receive and review ads in exchange for services). Any updates on that aspect of the business model?
  • matthaus
    We don't know anything about that aspect of the business model, John.

    Google is leaving all PR announcements to the OHA members, I understand. My assumption is that we will not hear direct statements from Google on Android before the phone is launched, unless they are on the SDK.
  • FYI there are 2 HTC Dream forums set up already:

    One is at http://androidforums.com as a subforum
    The other is at http://mobileroar.com/forum/htc-dream
  • I'm sure there will be bugs - but I'm looking forward to an "open" phone.
  • Everyone has been talking about Android for so long that they may be setting their hopes too high. Let's see what happens when the phone comes out and what people say then.

    http://kreuzer33.wordpress.com/2008/08/19/fcc-a...
  • My expectation is that this will change the handset business entirely.
  • Personally, I'm not setting my hopes too high. I just want a phone that has capabilities similar to the iPhone but isn't the iPhone.
  • damsmith
    FCC approval is necessary for any mobile service to be launhed in US and it is good for G1. G1 is becoming more popular due to android. Due to its popularity Tmobile G1 accessories are in more demand. After all this FCC certification does matter any mobile service. And finally HTC got it.
  • edhardy622
    UGGs became ubiquitous among Southern California surfers and Southern California downhill skiers, and from there, Uggs, which name comes from the Australian
    http://www.uggboots365.co.uk