HTC and Google were asked what would make people line up outside an Optus store for the HTC Dream, and to be honest we didn't find their answer particularly compelling: something about the Dream being an "online phone", and the next evolution in mobile Internet "experience".
That's not to say it isn't a promising device - the interface, physical design, are looking very good
Much has already been said about the Google Android, and in a nutshell there are several reasons the Dream is worth a look:
- Extended Home screen - smartphone interfaces (Windows Mobile, we're looking at you) have a habit of being way too awkward and intimidating to navigate. HTC's Dream presents a simple to use home screen, with multiple pages. Swipe your finger to drag open a new screen.
- Touchscreen and keyboard - unlike the iPhone, this is a touchscreen phone with a QWERTY keyboard. It's physically thicker than an iPhone, but if Blackberry-type functionality is what you're after, the keyboard will certainly help.
- Google - the HTC Dream has Google apps like Google Talk, Gmail, Google Maps, Youtube and others built-in.
- Offline Gmail - Google Gmail became an even more enticing proposition for business owners and home users when Offline Gmail arrived recently.
- Apps - there's apparently hundreds of apps available for Google Android phones, though time will tell whether these will be as useful as those on Apple's iPhone App Store.
The phone is only available via Optus from February 16. Optus Post-Paid customers can buy the Dream on four plans, starting from $59 (plus handset costs). We're told data plans from 500MB to 3GB are in the works. Great news, though we'll be keen to see other carriers come on board.
Stay tuned for our in depth review.
