T-Mobile UK launches 5MP G1 Touch next month

Here is a flippin’ huge picture of the new G1 Touch from T-Mobile…

And for comparison purposes, the new G1 Touch (on the left) next to the old G1:

Well then. If you were ever in doubt about Android and the way ahead for the platform, I think you should begin to relax.

You can pick up this new G1 Touch free on an 18-month price plan at £40 per month. There’s no physical keyboard, instead it’s touchscreen. That might not be for everyone — I myself prefer a physical QWERTY screen, but that said, I’m pretty impressed by the 5MP camera. Of course, as the MIR T-Shirt points out, it’s not about the megapixels, dude.

I think it’s a fair assumption to assume that the camera will be better than the old G1.

Here are the key points from the G1 Touch release:

– Large multi-touch screen
– Exclusive black edition available only from T-Mobile
– 5 Mega pixel camera with auto-focus and video capture
– Live photo gallery updates with friends pictures
– All contacts on and offline sync together in a live phonebook
– Compatible with Microsoft Office Outlook, Hotmail and other email providers
– Standard 3.5mm headphone jack
– High-speed web browsing and instant access to Google services including Maps, Google mail and Street View using T-Mobile’s award-winning mobile internet network
– Access to Android MarketTM for a choice of thousands of applications to download direct to your phone

I’m pleased to see a proper headphone jack there. This caught my attention:

T-Mobile predicts that one in five of its regular mobile internet users will have an Android device by the end of 2009

Shocking.

Absolutely shocking.

But you know what, I can believe that. I am seeing more and more normobs carrying G1s as I walk around London.

Now, that screen on the G1 Touch looks rather nice doesn’t it… more on that in the next post.

Keep watching on T-Mobile UK for details.

Now, a word on upgrades. I spoke to Oliver from T-Mobile PR, who explained that the G1 Touch is an addition to the range, not necessarily a direct upgrade path. (e.g. If you’re keen on a physical keyboard, the original G1 is probably still the handset for you). Therefore those who took out an 18-month contract with the G1, well, you’ll be able to upgrade to the G1 Touch — but you’ll be treated like any other customer. If you’ve been spending a TON of money with T-Mobile, you might be able to wangle a deal. But otherwise, the G1 Touch is a new contract or an upgrade at the end of your contract.

That said, who’s going to be getting the G1 Touch?