by JR Raphael, PCWorld  

What kind of Google functions are integrated into the phone?

The Android platform has integrated Google Maps functionality. Within your contact list, you can click on an address and instantly have it mapped on Google Maps. Google Street View also lets you get 3-D images of landmarks based on your current location. You can activate a “compass mode,” which allows the Street View image to progress in real-time based on your own actual movement. You can access directions and traffic information from many menus. The G1 also has a Google search button built into the QWERTY keyboard that lets you perform contextual search from any program. Direct YouTube searching is included in many menus and programs as well.

Is Gmail built into the platform?

The G1 does have Gmail options included that let you sync e-mail, calendar, and contact information from the service to your phone.

What’s up with the app store?

The app store for the G1, called the Android Market, will let any developer create and upload an application for the platform without any approval process. It’s based on a YouTube-style user ratings system, so content ranking will be based on user feedback. Neither T-Mobile nor Google plans to moderate the store or “ban” any applications.

What kind of apps will be available?

Google says more apps will become available over the coming months as developers submit their work. As of launch, “dozens” are said to be up for grabs. Some of the highlighted options include ShopSavvy, a program that turns your phone into a barcode scanner able to read UPC codes and deliver instant price comparisons; cab4me, a program that finds and secures you a cab based on your current location; iMap Mobile, a location-based interactive weather system; PedNav, a location-aware app that helps you find the best walking route or public transportation routes to any destination; and Ecorio, an app that lets you record your “carbon footprint” and find ways to do less damage to the environment based on your own day-to-day routine. .

When will the Android code become available?

Google says the entire open source code will become available once the product launches in October.

Is the G1 going after business users or personal users?

The G1 team indicated it’s expecting more consumer than enterprise users.

There you have it—the ins and outs of the heavily anticipated Google Android phone. Will it live up to the expectations. You’ll have to be the judge of that. Your chance to check it out starts next month.