Here Comes The GPhone!

Interesting article in todays “MediaPost” regarding the new G1 Mobile Phone…including a quote from my buddy Eric Bader.

Move over, iPhone–the Gphone has arrived. After months of Internet-fueled speculation and hype, T-Mobile Tuesday unveiled the G1 mobile phone powered by Google’s Android operating system and bundled with Google software including search, Gmail, Maps, and YouTube.

With a large touch screen and a raft of features, the new phone takes direct aim at the iPhone–but will be priced lower at $179 when it goes on sale in the U.S. Oct. 22, with a two-year voice and data plan. Unlike the rival Apple device, it adds a slide-out Qwerty keyboard.

The G1 also comes loaded with a version of Amazon’s digital music store offering more than 6 million DRM-free tracks to compete with music powerhouse iTunes.

Eric Bader, co-founder and CEO of mobile consultancy Brand in Hand said Android’s open platform represents a “seismic difference” for an industry built on walled gardens and closed operating systems. “Android will lead to larger audiences and bigger reach, which is what media buyers have been waiting for,” he said.

One of the biggest barriers to growth has been the need to develop content and ad programs for different platforms. “That forces working media dollars to be used in production and ad serving and kills ROI,” said Bader, formerly managing director of MediaVest Digital.

FOR THE COMPLETE STORY FROM MEDIAPOST CLICK HERE