We’ve been writing about Android since the rumors first began swirling, and now the wait is finally over. On the off chance that you’ve been hiding under a rock for the past few months, I’ll catch you up to speed: Google created an operating system called Android which has been further developed by the Open Handset Alliance, a group of more than 30 technology and mobile companies. It’s based on Linux, it’s open source, and it’s free.

As we have already mentioned, T-Mobile will be the first carrier to offer an Android driven phone, the HTC Dream. Tomorrow at 10:30am EDT, those interested can watch a live webcast of the press conference featuring T-Mobile and Google executives announcing its unveiling.

In the meantime, you can kill 50+ minutes watching Jason Chen discuss Android in a video taken at the Google I/O event last May…

Link: Webcast of Android Event - will only work at 10:30 EDT on September 23, 2008, so don’t bother trying before then.

Link: The You Tube Video of Peter Chen

Hey guys, look, it’s the HTC Dream in much clear photos and branded for T-Mobile. I know there needs to be a way to work that keyboard into the design and Google’s developers are all working hard on the Android release - but couldn’t they have at least tried to pretty it up a bit? Every swivel or flip phone I’ve ever used has been a pain. Typing into them is awkward enough but they have a nasty habit of popping open on me when as I’m trying to slide them into a belt case. No further information on availability or pricing - but Engadget thinks soon.

via: Engadget

Web site TmoNews is predicting a T-Mobile pre-sale of the new Android based HTC Dream to existing customers beginning September 17. This prediction goes against other rumors that have reported delays in the Android phones which could push its initial launch into 2008. According to the site, the HTC Dream will be up for existing customer pre-sale only on September 17th. Take this for what it’s worth. The site claims a trusted source pegs the SLP at $399 and that it will be available in black, while and brown. The data speed is 3G which leads to speculation that T-Mobile will follow AT&T’s lead and gauge charge their customers extra for the high speed data.

TmoNews

HTC Dream is getting a little less camera shy. Someone yesterday posted a photo on Flickr labelled HTC Dream which appears to be a screen capture from a somewhat grainy YouTube video just reported by BoyGenius Report. If true, this could be the first look at a real Google open sourced Android based handset. The phone is manufactured by HTC and destined for T-Mobile sometime late this or early next year. I’m not a huge fan of slide out keyboards - and this video reminds me a lot of the Sidekick in all it’s awkwardness. But still, if authentic this may be an interesting phone to keep on your wish list.

HTC Dream YouTube via BoyGeniusReport and TmoNews Forums