Android is allegedly closer to release than previously believed, according to one insider who foresees a September 17th, 2008 pre-order date. The news comes after many in the industry pushed the highly-anticipated Google-produced open source operating system back to 2009. T-Mobile is expected to see Android via the HTC Dream (G1), which will supposedly ship in white, brown, and black finishes, and will sport a 3G data connection.

The G1 requires a special, pricier data package, and will run for $399. T-Mobile customers will be able to pre-order the phone for $150, while others will be waiting until as far as the middle of October.

Specs-wise, the G1 features a 3.0-Megapixel camera, and a 5-inch by 3-inch touch screen, and a sliding sideways QWERTY keypad.

T-Mobile was found earlier to be launching its 3G network, and allegedly backing the launch with the HTC Dream.

Hoping to mirror Apple's success, T-Mobile is expected to launch an App Store-like experience for its lineup of wireless products.

[via TmoNews]