AndroidBoards

TMobileOfficial, T-Mobile UK’s official Twitter account, released today that the latest Android phone will be named the G1Touch. We can only speculate right now as to what hardware device that name will actually be stamped on, but it’s pretty certain just by the name that the new phone will not be sporting the slide-out keyboard of the older G1. And with the amazing quality of the new Cupcake update’s on-screen keyboard, that’s not necessarily going to be missed.

Although it’s not set in stone, we felt it was necessary to go ahead and release some information regarding all of the G2 rumors. Turns out some mentions by HTC indicate the G2 will be ready in the first half of 2009, and possibly another Android phone is in the works as well. All of this, of course, has either been fully denied or confirmed by either HTC or T-Mobile, but it’s very safe to say that it’s a go for the G2 in mid-2009.

Though some may doubt Sprint’s commitment to Android, a quip from Sprint featured on InternetNews.com seems to disprove any speculation of Sprint’s infidelity to Android:

Sprint is engaged with Android — no need to question our commitment.

Thanks for the opportunity to share our perspective

Sprint is actively engaged with the Android community; for competitive reasons, we have not been specific about the timing of an Android phone from Sprint.

Sprint is a charter member of the Open Handset Alliance.

Sprint has a long history of leadership in working closely with developers to encourage them to create new content that can be offered on Sprint phones. The Titan platform is an example of Sprint’s work with the developer community. Our participation in the OHA and our work with the Android community is another example.

Though the source from Sprint is unknown, the comment seems very well-worded and confident about an upcoming involvement with Android.

T-Mobile UK says reports that they will be making the G1 available to subscribers on October 30th. Unlike Apple’s delayed European iPhone release, T-Mobile is making the wise decision to get the phone out across the world as quickly as possible. Initially, the G1 wasn’t expected to hit Europe until well into November.

The two tariffs (price plans) available both offer the G1 for free and are significantly cheaper than the plans bundled with Apple’s iPhone. Both are priced at 40 and include a generous variety of talk time/text messaging combinations.

Jim Hyde, managing director of T-Mobile UK spoke about the release: “With so much excitement generated by the announcement last month, we’re thrilled to bring the T-Mobile G1 to the UK in time for Christmas. [...] It’s set to revolutionise the way we use the internet on our mobiles: it’s uniquely built for effortless online communication – whether you want to email, text or blog – and with access to some groundbreaking applications on Android market, the possibilities really are endless.”

As we all know, T-Mobile will have rolled out it’s new 3G network by October 1st in 20 major cities in the US. Allegedly, the flagship phone for the new network will be the evasive Android-based HTC Dream handset. According to the source, the phone will be launched with three other non-Android-based models including the Sony Ericsson Z780 and possibly the Motorola ZINE Z5.

Some of the other cities where T-Mobile is expected to offer its 3G service by the end of the year, include: Atlanta; Austin, Texas; Birmingham, Ala.; Chicago; Dallas; Denver; Detroit; Houston; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Memphis,Tenn.; Miami; Minneapolis; Long Island, N.Y.; Orlando, Fla.; Philadelphia; Phoenix; Portland, Ore.; Sacramento, Calif.; San Diego; San Francisco; Seattle; Tampa, Fla.; and Washington, D.C.