Have Android phones already failed at the starting post?

Rachel Flaherty
Thursday, 02 July 2009 15:02

Your IT - Mobility

Android smartphones are sending waves of excitement through the mobile community that they are a serious contender to knock iPhone off its smartphone perch. But, are they really a threat or have they already missed the boat?

The first Android touchscreen smartphone, the HTC Dream, arrived in Australia in February 2009.

The highly anticipated phone failed to make an impression in the market and was a disappointment to many. Reviewers complained of its clunky look, an awkward keyboard with no screen auto-rotate.

Adding to its unpopularity was an expensive locked-in plan of 24 months with Optus and no other options from other carriers at the time

The further announcement that an updated version, HTC Magic (also known as G2), was ready to be released in Europe around the same time only served to put Australian consumers off investing in an already outdated phone.

However, Australians did not have to wait too long for the launch of the HTC Magic in June.

It was equipped the latest version of Android OS Cupcake 1.5, ironing out the problems of its predecessor.

Its glossy and sleek design impressed the fashion savvy and stylish with a virtual keyboard and an effective predictive text system.

The HTC Magic seems more than able to hold its own against the iPhone and they also have quite a few similarities too.

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