T-Mobile to Use Android on Tablet PC, Home Phone
In a move that will likely see a minuscule jump in the number of people using Google’s mobile operating system, Android, T-Mobile has announced that the company will use the software on two new devices for the home.
T-Mobile is planning to debut a new home phone and soon after a tablet computer, both running Android, reports the New York Times citing confidential documents obtained from one of the company’s partners. The phone will plug into a docking station and come with another device that handles data synchronization as it recharges the phone’s battery.
While we’re all for netbooks and tablets running Android (we can’t wait to see how Android handles on anything that isn’t the G1), we’re wondering what on Earth T-Mobile is doing launching a home phone right now?
Much like AT&T’s effort to reinvent the landline, we’re not all that impressed at the idea. No doubt it will be a device you can use to check the weather, news, sports scores, store phone numbers, addresses and appointments. What a novel idea. If only the world had more devices like it.
What about you? Are you tired of hearing about “devices” that might get to see Android instead of seeing manufacturers actually using it? We’re really holding out for HP on this one. That said, once T-Mobile unclenches and actually releases some details about these products we'd love to hear more about that tablet device mentioned in the reports.
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Jane McEntegart is a writer, editor, and marketing communications professional with 17 years of experience in the technology industry. She has written about a wide range of technology topics, including smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. Her articles have been published in Tom's Guide, Tom's Hardware, MobileSyrup, and Edge Up.
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hellwig I've already seen commercials for Verizon's new home phone, so I don't see why T-Mobile can't create a home phone. T-Mobile already has their WiFi home phone service, so it makes sense to create a phone that can more fully utilize that.Reply -
Niva The tablet PC part sounds very interesting to me, options and variety are always good things so I'm looking forward to seeing Android running as a full fledged OS against Windows and OSX in the future.Reply -
g-thor "What about you? Are you tired of hearing about “devices” that might get to see Android instead of seeing manufacturers actually using it?"Reply
Yes. I would love to see products - get them in hand and play with it. That's as in, actually get to use it instead of see a picture of it on a non-working dummy phone (a hint to all you companies - have a working model in sotre that I can try for 5 minutes or so, depending on how busy it is).
That sadi, here comes my rant. What I would dearly love to see is phone manufacturers producing cell phones (and or other deveices - choose your poison) that aren't tied to the service providers. You make a phone with Android on it, that I can then go and choose if I want AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc. (As I'm in Canada, my choices are restricted to Rogers & subsidiaries, Bell & subsidiaries, or Telus. Come on, you new guys, get up and running already!! And offer me choices.)
Wouldn't you love a "bring your own phone" plan?
Rant finished.
Go, Android!!!!! -
g-thor PS - Please excuse all the typos in the previous post. I didn't realize that I got so riled up.Reply