We’re live at the relatively low key Vodafone press conference at Mobile World Congress, where they’re apparently announcing the Android-powered HTC G2 – otherwise known as the HTC Magic (Update: They specifically said that this is not being referred to as the G2. Looks like the G-numbering is a T-mo-only thing.)
All times are in CET.
12:00 PM: Show should start soon. Screen still reads as pictured above.
12:01 PM: Mics are on!
12:02 PM: WiFi is spotty. What we know so far: 3.2″ QVGA touchscreen, trackball, no availability or pricing being announced. 99% chance the G2 shots we saw recently were legit.
12:03 PM: Peter Chou is now onstage. Holding the Magic.
12:05 PM: Currently just discussing the HTC/Voda partnership, how to make the mobile internet usable and enjoyable. “As a software platform, Android is flexible, powerful, and also makes mobile internet easier and enjoyable”
12:06 PM: “The magic will come when the device fits into your hand and into your life”
12:08 PM: Watching a video. It’s the one we saw a few days ago. Looks gorgeous.
12:09 PM: “We’ve done it.” – saying they’ve developed a product that really shows Android
12:10 PM: Magic’s UI being shown; nothing new here from the G1. They’re currently showing how to change the wallpaper. More hardware stuff, please.
12:13 PM: Now they’re talking about the Market. They’re working to make sure folks who are unfamiliar with Android aren’t too lost.
12:14 PM: Will launch initially in UK, Spain, Germany, France, and non-exclusively in Italy. “More countries to follow”. Online registration will be available for early pricing details.
12:15 PM: Showing Street View. Will have compass mode, just like the G1.
12:16 PM: That’s going to be one tough aspect of launching Android phones; unless they tweak things a lot, most people already know the software.
12:19 PM: Q&A Time. Wait, almost – more availability stuff. Online pre-registration opens today.
12:20 PM: Pocketlint: Why is the G2 launching on Vodafone instead of T-Mobile? Chou: We don’t call it the G2. This is the HTC Magic. Kind of skirted the rest of the answer.
12:21 PM: Is it touchscreen only? Yes.
12:22 PM: What’s the price? They’re not specifically saying yet, but 99 to 199 (euros, presumably)
12:24 PM: Rich Brome of Phonescoop: Availability planned in North America? Chou: Not currently, but they’re working on it.
12:24 PM: Vodafone is usually quite critical of the number of operating systems on the market; yet you’ve added another. Do you plan to slim down? “We’re still working on 20+ operating systems – what ever is the final number of contenders, it’s still a lot less than the number of proprietary OS a few years ago. We can debate on how many is too many, but the focus is [on the customer]. This is a great phone, a great design.”
12:26 PM: 3.5 mm jack? Doesn’t look like it. Dongle needed, again.
12:27 PM: What megapixel is the camera? Why no flash? 3.2 megapixel. No flash because it’s “not trying to replace your professional camera. For day to day life, it’s good enough”
12:30 PM: All wrapped up. Time for the hands on. Check back later for our impressions.
HTC has some interesting stuff, like the Wimax phone that is being sold in Russia. Cool stuff!
Nice phone, but why the ugly clock on the homescreen again?
Not bad, but seriously, the interfaces *really* need to be like the iPhone or the new Sony phones (i.e.: impossibly slick, fluid and responsive) in order to remain relevant.
I like it, looks sexy maybe, just maybe… but we still have a good bunch of choices
Why don’t they just tell when it is available?
I think it is much better looking than the G1, I wonder if issues like the crappy camera on the G1 will be improved on the Magic. I like the no keyboard though, much nicer!
Who needs a 3.5mm headphone socket when the Magic comes with stereo bluetooth?
@Alex – Android phones will “remain relevant” because of the operating system, not by imitating other UIs.
Yeah. Looks cool.
From where I’m sat the Touch HD is still easily the best handset on the market.
Too bad it has a touch-screen interface.
it’s great to have G2 or “HTC magic” or something, but why it’s available only in Europe? looking forward to it~
Very Nice, however I’m not really a big fan of touch screen phones. I’ll try it when it’s launched and see if I change my mind
Techfilipino
and about flash lite player or flash V10?
Good a site! Very nice phone.
it is very nice. i have been using my hct touch for 2 years. it is time to change. i wanna keep myseşf away from microsoft anymore
It’s interesting to see what will happen in other
mobile conferences like CTIA show 2009