Google’s Newest Phone has giant improvements

The newest device to flaunt Google’s Android operating system is the Ion, a lightly customized version of the HTC Magic. Loaded with a newer version of the seminal OS, the phone is faster, sleeker and smarter than the previous Android model, the G1. But the hardware is also improved. The phone ditches the G1’s awkward keyboard and replaces it with a full touchscreen. It’s a great step forward Android handsets but not quite robust enough to knock the iPhone off its throne as “King of Touchscreens.”

We received a test unit at Google I/O developer’s conference last week, albeit one that is not configured or fully vetted for consumer use. But the system is mature enough to put through the paces of daily use. And it’s unlocked, too.

The hardware is HTC’s new HT-03A, the same phone being offered by NTT DoCoMo in this summer’s lineup. It has a 3.2 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, microSD card slot, Bluetooth and GPS. Unlike the first Google phone, there’s no physical keyboard, just a 3.2-inch touchscreen.

Source: http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pr_0601_g2_handson