Details Of HTC G1 Android Phone Leak Ahead Of Press Conference

The feverish readers of TmoNews.com have discovered some images and specifications of the G1 phone from HTC, set to be announced later this morning. What's surprising is what isn't included.It appears that the G1 will only be available in regions covered by T-Mobile's 3G network. Given that there are only a dozen or so active 3G markets across the United States, that's a pretty limiting factor. T-Mobile is set to expand its 3G footprint in the coming months, but to limit the availability of a phone people have a lot of interest in is a weird move.

TmoNews quotes a source as saying, "Available in all stores within 3G boundary area, regardless of whether or not store is in a 3G dead spot. Available in some locations directly outside of the 3G boundary area due to the fact that some customers who live in the 3G boundary area shop within a 2 - 5 mile radius and the store they would go to is outside of the 3G boundary area. For those stores not in 3G markets, a demo unit and merchandising will be in store so rep can show customer what the experience on G1 is like on the 2G network. If customer is ok with experience, Rep can help them purchase a device on T-Mobile.com."

Other specs that TmoNews was able to snag show that the device will have one-touch access to the Internet, Maps, Gmail, YouTube, Calendar, and Google Talk (Google's chat program). A Google account is required. You have to have a Google account in order to use the phone. This isn't overly surprising. Being that the Google faithful are the ones likely to be most interested in this device, that isn't going to put too many people off.

It will have a 3.1-megapixel camera, but the camera won't be able to shot video, just as with the iPhone. This makes it a nonstarter for me. I really like to be able to shoot video. The phone also doesn't include support for stereo Bluetooth, which is another feature lacking on the iPhone and another disappointment. It will, however, include GPS.

Last, a data plan will be required with the phone (duh).

Hopefully these details (and more) will be confirmed in just a few short hours.