1st Android phone lacks Exchange, due Nov.?

HTC's Android-based Dream phone may not support push-based work mail or ship as soon as expected, according to a reported first-hand account of the device by IBB Consulting senior principal Moe Tanabian. The veteran claims that the device only supports push e-mail through Google's own Gmail service and that support for Microsoft's Exchange service isn't known, potentially hurting its usefulness for business similar to what was encountered with the original iPhone firmware.

Tanabian however notes that the phone may take advantage of Google's dominance of web advertising to lower the cost of the device; those who volunteer to allow ads on their phone may see discounts either on the initial cost of the device or for their monthly subscription fees. These customers will see ads that are based not only on interests revealed through apps but also through the phone's location, the report suggests.

The consultant also appears to confirm the existence of a cross-platform T-Mobile app store, which is described as less restricted than the App Store and thus allows more app types.

The Dream itself is further said to have the option of using its Wi-Fi for T-Mobile's HotSpot@Home service and to include a BlackBerry-like trackball instead of a directional pad, letting owners emulate some touchscreen features without having to use a second hand.

Crucially, the device may also not be available in its widely reported October release date that would be timed with T-Mobile's national 3G rollout. The handset may not be available until near the Thanksgiving in November and would thus miss out on a significant portion of holiday sales.

Neither Google nor HTC has confirmed any details of the Dream and have so far said only that the first Android phone would be available between October and December.

Filed under: iPhone, gadgets, mobile phones
Other story tags: Google, T-Mobile, Android, htc