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T-Mobile officially announces G2 HSPA+ Android device

By | August 18, 2010, 6:27am PDT

Summary: T-Mobile was the first carrier to launch an Android device in 2008 with the G1 and now will be the first to launch an HSPA+ device with the Android-based T-Mobile G2.

Two years ago I flew back on a whirlwind one day trip to New York for the T-Mobile G1 launch event and posted my most extensive review ever for the first carrier launched Google Android device. Today, we received official notice that the T-Mobile G2 is coming soon as the first HSPA+ device. I returned my buggy Samsung Vibrant in anticipation of this HSPA+ device and will for sure be buying one when it launches. Very few details are known about the device so stay tuned as we continue to hear more over the coming weeks.

The only thing that T-Mobile has posted so far is an outline of the device and the fact that it will support their HSPA+ network. T-Mobile’s HSPA+ network has theoretical download speeds of 21 mbps and upload of 5.7 mbps with typical actual speeds in the 7 to 11 mbps range, which is still blazing fast for a wireless data network and much faster than the Sprint 4G WiMAX network where 4G is more about branding than actual speeds.

Rumors indicate this G2 device will most likely be an HTC manufactured Android device with the HTC Vanguard/Vision codename. These same rumors indicate a mid-September launch date so I am really looking forward to this being my next smartphone on T-Mobile.

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Matthew Miller started using a Pilot 1000 in 1997 and has been writing news, reviews, and opinion pieces ever since.

Disclosure

Matthew Miller

Matthew is a professional naval architect by day and a mobile gadget freak at all other times. He purchases his own devices and then sells them on eBay or Craigslist to buy more. Many other devices are sent for review on a 30-day loaner basis and then returned to the carrier or manufacturer. If any are provided as “long term loaner units” this will be clearly disclosed in his reviews.

Biography

Matthew Miller

Matthew Miller started using a mobile devices in 1997 and has been writing news, reviews, and opinion pieces ever since. He is a co-host with GigaOM's Kevin Tofel on the MobileTechRoundup podcast and an author of three Wiley Companion series books. Matthew started using mobile devices with a US Robotics Pilot 1000 and has owned over 125 different devices running Palm, Linux, Symbian, Newton, BlackBerry, iOS, Android, webOS, Windows Mobile, and Windows Phone operating systems. His current collection includes an HTC Radar 4G, Dell Venue Pro, Apple iPad 2, HTC Flyer, Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Nokia N9, Apple iPhone 4S, MacBook Pro, and many more, along with tons of accessories and classic devices like the Apple Newton MessagePad 2100 and Sony CLIE UX50. Matthew can be found on various discussion forums under the user name of "palmsolo".

Talkback Most Recent of 27 Talkback(s)

  • RE: T-Mobile officially announces G2 HSPA Android device
    We have been hearing 'RUMORS' for over a year now about this release. What never surprises me is how often T-Mobile slacks off on service end of the spectrum. 3G Coverage is sparse and now they want to talk about rolling out a service to compete with 4G. Another problem with T-Mobile is the only real first they can claim was the first Android device. I own a G1 so I know thats not much to be proud of.

    With WiFi gateway calling available on T-Mobile I wonder why NONE of the android devices are equipped to do that? Or Why is it Verizon was the only one to get Skype? Or why did I have to 'HACK' my G1 to get Internet tethering when we all know the browser on this thing is garbage?

    This hint at a new service and device is a weak attempt to string along customers thinking of breaking contract and jumping ship to another provider that ALREADY HAS 4G devices and larger 3G coverage area, built in and enabled hot spot software, snap dragon speedy phone, HD/HDMI Enabled video playback (and more than just the 3gp codec installed). In two months T-Mobile will announce that all these new changes will be available 2nd qtr next year, and only to those willing to pay a premium (such as those that wanted a nexus one).

    T-Mobile's low prices no longer over shadow their spotty service. Every provider has some sort of unlimited package for a fairly similar price.

    Too little, Too late, T-Mobile.
    ZDNet Gravatar
    princemanjee
    18th Aug 2010
  • RE: T-Mobile officially announces G2 HSPA Android device
    @princemanjee

    I agree 100%. Im one thats been strung along. Like I said in my post, the only reason I remain with TMobile is because of their service. Thats soon going to change!
    ZDNet Gravatar
    Booyow
    18th Aug 2010
  • RE: T-Mobile officially announces G2 HSPA Android device
    @Booyow undergraduate certificate
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    ZDNet Gravatar
    rainnwilson94
    8th Sep
  • RE: T-Mobile officially announces G2 HSPA Android device
    @Booyow What service exactly you mean? TMobile is getting on new markets, that I know, but I do not use them. So what TMobile services doy you mean particularly? Franchise Agreement Asia
    ZDNet Gravatar
    Check_this
    27th Sep
  • RE: T-Mobile officially announces G2 HSPA Android device
    @princemanjee I will have to kindly disagree. First off, the G1 was the TRUTH. the 5 row keyboard has been INSTRUMENTAL in me conducting REAL BUSINESS, not playing around. Now if you used your G1 as a toy, maybe it wasn't your best option. But it truly blew away all competitors at the time, and gave the iPhone a run for it's money. No, it wasn't as cute and animated as the iPhone, but had all the features PLUS a handy keyboard.

    Secondly, you don't have to hack anything to tether; you can download an app called PDAnet for free, or pay a nominal fee after 30 days to get https access. Your claim is completely incorrect.

    Thirdly, the browser is NOT garbage. In fact, that is the BEST mobile browser I've seen to date. It was the first browser to easily copy/paste text on screen and is very comparable (better than) the iPhone browser. All other browsers aren't even worth mentioning. You are entitled to your opinion, but I doubt you can factually prove there's a mobile browser with more features. Not then, and perhaps not even now!

    Fourthly, I've had a Skype app on my G1 for years. I want to say that Skype was one of the first apps in the Market??? So that's two (very popular) apps you've overlooked.

    Fifthly, you sound as if the 3GP codec isn't pretty much the most popular codec for mobile devices. Simple conversion software can convert any video to that format. And I imagine that someone will create a video player app that can manage other formats if there's a true market for that. So far, I personally don't see why other formats are needed on your phone. If there's actually a technical, money-saving, or time-saving reason, please enlighten me.

    T-Mobile's coverage is a bit spotty, I agree. And their low prices did overshadow the coverage problem. But I'm not sure other providers still have comparable pricing. The others always have a catch with the cost. T-Mobile is pretty straight forward. For example, I pay $99.32 for unlimited data, calling, and insurance. Who's doing that?

    The wifi gateway option isn't available simply because T-Mobile probably can't figure out a way to make money for it. The Android devices are technically capable of doing this using PDAnet (including the G1), but T-mobile apparently blocks this. But don't get it twisted- Verizon won't even let you tether without paying an extra $15/mth for 5GB. And that's just to tether and doesn't include wifi capabilities. I'm sure Sprint has an added cost for such service too. So everything that glitters is not necessarily gold.

    Thanks for reading. happy
    ZDNet Gravatar
    tonedoggydogg
    20th Aug 2010
  • RE: T-Mobile officially announces G2 HSPA Android device
    Im a Tmobile customer and I've been waiting patiently for a smartphone with the comparable list of features of smartphones carried by other networks. I really love their service and the reliability of their network (the two qualities that have prevented me from switching to verizon or att), but if they dont get a list of phones comparable to those other two carriers Im going to have to switch.
    ZDNet Gravatar
    Booyow
    18th Aug 2010
  • RE: T-Mobile officially announces G2 HSPA Android device
    @Booyow Same here.. in the Midwest even... and the only providers where I live that are worth their salt for coverage and reliability are Verizon and T-Mobile. I stay with T-Mobile because they've always been good to me and solid. I've had work phones from Sprint and AT&T (regular and blackberry, 3G and non) and their coverage and support out here is pathetic in actual use.

    I have a G1. I'll definitely be interested in the G2.
    ZDNet Gravatar
    NiMhBatt
    18th Aug 2010
  • RE: T-Mobile officially announces G2 HSPA Android device
    @Booyow A smartphone is a high-end mobile phone. A smartphone combines the functions of a personal digital assistant (PDA) generic medicines , Medication List , Muscle Relaxants , pain drugs online , erectile dysfunction , arthritis drugs , Weight Loss Drugs , Antiviral Drugs , Antidepressants , Allergy Medications
    ZDNet Gravatar
    Peter38
    4th Aug
  • RE: T-Mobile officially announces G2 HSPA Android device
    @Booyow Great article, Phil. We'll continue to disagree about Private Clouds -- I see them as just a piece of cloud computing. For some they will be transitional -- a road to ever more secure and compelling public clouds; for others they will be a more permanent solution. In any case, customers and IT are going to expect to be able to mix and match public and private clouds as well as legacy apps running in data centers for a good long time, so it's enabling this hybrid environment that will be the big challenge. friv oyunu
    ZDNet Gravatar
    Arabalar
    19th Aug
  • RE: T-Mobile officially announces G2 HSPA Android device
    @Arabalar
    But hybrids not always do well. There are still people that like to have certain things/apps for certain things...
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    ZDNet Gravatar
    Check_this
    27th Sep
  • RE: T-Mobile officially announces G2 HSPA Android device
    It's beginning to sound like...."Hey, let's all wait until Oct. to see how all these rumors and new smartphones and "touches" play out."
    ZDNet Gravatar
    rodrakes
    18th Aug 2010
  • RE: T-Mobile officially announces G2 HSPA Android device
    @rodrakes very interesting but can't have to w8 get it soon. Assignment Help | Custom Dissertationt
    ZDNet Gravatar
    linasmith
    26th Aug
  • RE: T-Mobile officially announces G2 HSPA Android device
    @linasmith
    Soon we will happy
    Franchise Agreement Australia
    ZDNet Gravatar
    Check_this
    27th Sep
  • RE: T-Mobile officially announces G2 HSPA Android device
    Seems like the cart is before the horse. Is T/M ignoring its long time customers? Must be a method to there madness.
    When do I get the 2.2 upgrade??
    ZDNet Gravatar
    reg126
    18th Aug 2010
  • RE: T-Mobile officially announces G2 HSPA Android device
    @reg126 that's very good question i want to know as you same. custom essay | custom term paper | buy research paper
    ZDNet Gravatar
    linasmith
    26th Aug

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