BONN, GERMANY: Wireless carrier T-Mobile is rolling out its second phone powered by Android, the operating system developed by Google for use in broadcast TV taboo channels, aka “white spaces.” The new MyTouch is said to be similar to the customized HTC Magic that is Google’s own Ion phone. Current T-Mobile customers will be able to get their hands on a MyTouch 3G next month, with full market availability to follow in August.
The device is considered a competitor to Palm Pre and the latest Apple iPhone, both rolled out this month. The Pre is paired with Sprint packages while AT&T has exclusivity for the iPhone. (The FCC is saber-rattling at these types of exclusivity contracts, and presumed chairman-to-be Julius Genachowski said he would launch hearings in the matter.)
T-Mobile’s first Android phone was the G1, of which a million had been sold within six months of its launch. The new iPhone, bowed Friday, surpassed sales of 1 million over the weekend.
The unlicensed devices for white spaces are starting to roll out at a faster pace now that analog TV transmitters have been shut down, and digital-transition spectrum abandon by broadcasters. At least 18 Android-operated phones are expected to be on the market by the end of this year, The New York Times reported last month.— Deborah D. McAdams
