LAS VEGAS -- About five months after HTC G1, the first Google Android operating system based device, made its debut, HTC is ready to roll out its second Android phone.
Called the HTC Magic/Sapphire, the phone will be released through service provider Vodafone in parts of Europe but recent FCC filings indicate it is likely to come to the U.S. soon with T-Mobile as the telecom carrier.
At the CTIA 2009 conference, we had a chance to briefly get hands on with the G2, though HTC didn't want to acknowledge the device with that moniker.
In terms of looks, the HTC Magic with Android OS looks very similar to the G1, except that it lacks a slide-out keyboard. Overall the phone feels slimmer and lighter than the G1 though it is unlikely to win any points for sleek design. The black finish is basic and the phone has the standard five-button configuration.
The HTC Magic will be the first Android phone without a keyboard. The G2's on-screen keyboard is fairly responsive though nowhere near the iPhone or Palm Pre quality.
The phone's main screen has icons for messaging, browser, maps, contacts and the Android market. Switching between contacts and browser seemed pretty smooth but overall our impression is that there is little to really make users go 'wow' when they see the device.
The HTC Magic will start retailing through Vodafone within the next three weeks, says HTC spokesperson Eric Lin.
Here's another picture of the phone
Source: http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2009/04/hands-on-with-h.html
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