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T-Mobile G1™ FAQs
This article is designed to provide answers to common questions about the T-Mobile G1.
Select a category from the list below to view FAQs for the T-Mobile G1:
General information ›
E-mail & Messaging ›
3G & Coverage ›
Plans & Services ›
Applications & Games ›
Music ›

General information

What are the key features of this device? ›
What colors will be available? ›
Will T-Mobile G1 be available in Spanish? ›
Will the device come with any special accessories, such as a Bluetooth headset? ›
Will my current T-Mobile SIM card work with T-Mobile G1? ›
How does the T-Mobile G1 compare to other competing products? ›
How does the Web experience on this device compare to other competing products? ›
What personalization features does the device support? ›
What is Android™? ›
Is it compatible with the HotSpot @Home service? ›
Is it compatible with myFaves®? ›

What are the key features of this device?

With an intuitive touch screen interface, full QWERTY keyboard, one-click Google™ search, and a rich mobile Web experience, T-Mobile G1 allows you to do more without compromising your communication needs. The T-Mobile G1 also provides one-touch access to popular Google applications including Gmail™ and Google Maps™. It is also the first device to deliver access to Android Market where you can find and download new, innovative software applications built specifically for the Android platform.
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What colors will be available?

Initially, T-Mobile G1 will come in three colors: White, Bronze, and Black.
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Will the T-Mobile G1 be available in Spanish?

Initially, we will launch an English-version of the device. We do have plans, however, to release an over-the-air software update to include Spanish language.
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Will the device come with any special accessories, such as a Bluetooth headset?*

No.
*The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by T-Mobile is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
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Will my current T-Mobile SIM card work with the T-Mobile G1?

Yes. Your current T-Mobile SIM card will work with the T-Mobile G1 as long as you have a voice plan and a T-Mobile G1 data plan.
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How does the T-Mobile G1 compare to other competing products?

The focus of the Open Handset Alliance is to create an open mobile ecosystem around a great platform that will enable the development of devices and services from many different companies. Android will enable the delivery of open devices with more functionality from a large and growing list of manufacturers, carriers, and other partners.
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How does the Web experience on this device compare to other competing products?

The T-Mobile G1 was designed with you in mind. Thanks to seamless integration with Google features, the T-Mobile G1 offers the ultimate Web experience; you can experience the Internet on your device without compromising communication features like voice calling or text, picture or instant messaging.
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What personalization features does the device support?

The T-Mobile G1 comes equipped with several personalization features, such as picture caller ID and video ringtones. It is also the first device to offer one touch access to the Android Market where you can find and download software applications to customize and personalize your device to fit your life from games to social networking to music and on-the-go shopping. Custom applications can be downloaded wirelessly with just a couple short clicks.
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What is Android?

Android is a complete, open mobile device software stack. It includes everything a manufacturer or operator needs to build a mobile device. Android will be made available as an open source using the Apache v2 license, and it was designed from the ground up to enable the best user experience possible on a mobile device. It leverages Web and Internet content to provide advanced services.
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Is it compatible with the HotSpot @Home service?

No. Unlimited HotSpot Calling (formerly named T-Mobile HotSpot @Home) is not available on the T-Mobile G1, although the device can browse the Web over high-speed wireless connections including Wi-Fi and T-Mobile's 3G network.
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Is it compatible with myFaves?

Yes.
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E-Mail & Messaging

What are the IM, text and e-mail features of the T-Mobile G1? ›
Does T-Mobile G1 support corporate e-mail? ›
Will there be a redirector solution to support corporate e-mail? ›
Can I send text messages to a group? ›
What IM providers are supported? ›
Are there any advantages to using Google Talk™ on the device? ›
Is a Gmail account required to use T-Mobile G1? ›
Are there any advantages to using Gmail on the device? ›

What are the IM, text and e-mail features of the T-Mobile G1?

With an intuitive touch screen interface, slide out QWERTY keyboard one-touch access to Google applications and seamless synchronization of consumer e-mail, calendar and contacts, the T-Mobile G1 provides an outstanding communication experience.
  • E-mail: The T-Mobile G1 features a rich HTML e-mail client which fetches your e-mail in the background from most POP3 or IMAP mail services.
  • Instant Messaging (IM): Major instant messaging clients are built-in including Google Talk, AOL® Instant Messenger™ Service (AIM®), and Yahoo!® Messenger. IM presence allows you to see whether your friends are online, offline, or away.
  • Text messaging: The T-Mobile G1 supports advanced messaging features. You can easily flag, delete or move groups of messages and keep track of group conversations through threaded text messaging.
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Does T-Mobile G1 support corporate e-mail?

T-Mobile G1 supports POP/IMAP e-mail, but does not support corporate e-mail at this point.
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Will there be a redirector solution available to support corporate e-mail?

We expect there will be 3rd party applications in the future to enable you to redirect corporate e-mail to the device.
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Can I send text messages to a group?

Yes. You can send a group text message. However, responses back to the group text message will only be sent to the original person sending the message.
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What IM providers are supported?

T-Mobile G1 will support AIM®, Yahoo!® Messenger, and Google Talk.
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Are there any advantages to using Google Talk?

One advantage of having Google Talk is the ability to have anyone in your Gmail phone book available on Google Talk. This type of integration helps streamline communication with your contacts.
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Is a Gmail account required to use the T-Mobile G1?

Yes, before you can use the T-Mobile G1 you must log into the device using a Gmail account. After logging in, though, you do not have to use your Gmail account again if you do not wish to. Once you do log into T-Mobile G1, your Gmail and Google Calendar™ will all sync to the device.
NOTE: To set up a free Gmail account, go to the GmailWeb site.
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Are there any advantages to using Gmail on the device?

Yes, through your Gmail account, the T-Mobile G1 will automatically sync your Gmail and Google Calendar to the device. Also, you will receive e-mail notifications on the device when you have new messages. Another benefit is the ability to have anyone in your Gmail phone book available on Google Talk. This integration helps streamline communication with your contacts.
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3G & Coverage

Will T-Mobile G1 only work on 3G? ›
Where does T-Mobile offer 3G service today? ›
Will the device work internationally? ›
NOTE: For more information on 3G, go to More 3G FAQs.

Will T-Mobile G1 only work on 3G?

No, however, you will have the best data experience when using the device while on our new 3G network. That being said, the T-Mobile G1 will automatically connect to the best available network, delivering robust data speeds for surfing the Web or downloading information whether over T-Mobile’s new high-speed 3G network or any open Wi-Fi network. If 3G and Wi-Fi are not available, T-Mobile G1 will connect to T-Mobile’s nationwide GSM network.
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Where does T-Mobile offer 3G service today?

Today, we offer 3G service in select markets. T-Mobile USA is planning to launch additional 3G markets throughout the year. You can stay up-to-date on our progress and also check for T-Mobile coverage in your area using our Personal Coverage Check.
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Will the device work internationally?

Yes. However, if would like to use your T-Mobile device while outside the country, you should contact Customer Care before you leave and ask that the WorldClass® dialing and roaming feature be added to your account. The feature is free of charge.
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Plans & Services

Do I need a voice and/or data plan to use the T-Mobile G1? ›
Can I use a prepaid voice plan combined with a T-Mobile G1 data plan? ›
How much is the G1 data service? What is included? ›
With the $25 data plan, why don’t the Google Talk IMs count toward the included messages? ›

Do I need a specific voice and/or data plan to use the T-Mobile G1?

Yes, when you purchase the T-Mobile G1, you must add one of two T-Mobile G1-specific data plans to your account. You must also have a voice plan, but it can be any postpaid voice plan offered by T-Mobile.
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Can I use a prepaid voice plan combined with a T-Mobile G1 data plan?

No, only postpaid or FlexPaySM plans are compatible with the T-Mobile G1.
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How much is the G1 data service? What is included?

T-Mobile offers two T-Mobile G1-specific data plans.
The first is an unlimited Web/data and unlimited messages plan for $35. This plan includes:
  • Unlimited Internet access
  • Unlimited e-mail
  • Unlimited messaging (text, picture, and IM)
  • T-Mobile HotSpot data access
The second option is an unlimited Web/data plan that comes with 400 messages for $25. This plan includes:
  • Unlimited Internet access
  • Unlimited e-mail (unlimited, part of Web/data)
  • Unlimited IM on Google Talk
  • 400 total messages (text messages, picture messages, non-Google Talk IM)
  • T-Mobile HotSpot data access
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With the $25 data plan, why don’t the Google Talk IMs count toward the included messages?

AIM® and Yahoo! Messenger use a text messaging protocol to send messages. Google Talk actually uses an XMPP protocol, which is billed as Internet access.
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Applications & Games

What are some of the pre-installed applications/services available on the device? ›
Can I take 3rd party applications off my device? ›
Will there be any games preloaded on T-Mobile G1? ›
What GPS and location-based applications does T-Mobile G1 support? ›
How does Google Maps on this device compare to Google Maps on other devices? ›
What is Android Market? ›
Is there a charge to access Android Market? ›
Will I pay for applications on Android Market or will the applications be free-of-charge? ›
How can I make purchases at Android Market? Who will be billed for purchases? ›
What type of applications will be available on Android Market ›
Will charges for applications purchased on Android Market appear on T-Mobile bills? ›

What are some of the pre-installed applications/services available on the device?

Google applications preloaded on the device include:
  • Google Talk/IM
  • Google Calendar
  • Google Search
  • Youtube™
  • Google Maps
  • Gmail
T-Mobile applications/services preloaded on the device include:
  • T-Mobile Address Book Sync
  • An auto log-in for T-Mobile HotSpot
  • myFaves
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Can I take 3rd party applications off my device?

Yes, customers can remove 3rd party applications from the device at any time.
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Will there be any games preloaded on T-Mobile G1?

No games will be preloaded on the device, but many games and innovative applications will be available on Android Market, such as Bonsai Blast and Pac-Man.
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What GPS and location-based applications does T-Mobile G1 support?

T-Mobile G1 supports many location-based applications, including:
  • A-GPS & Google Maps: With built-in A-GPS (Assisted GPS), customers can use Google Maps to navigate and change routes in real time. You can navigate or pan in any direction in Google Maps with the flick of your finger.

  • Google Maps StreetView: T-Mobile G1 also comes equipped with StreetView, a feature of Google Maps, that gives users panoramic 360-degree street-level imagery for various locations. StreetView will be available for the first time on a mobile device with T-Mobile G1. By viewing StreetView images alongside directions, drivers or pedestrians have visual context for intersections and action points along their route, enabling them to be aware of landmarks and other factors such as tolls, speed limits, size of the road, and the availability of parking at their destination.

  • A Compass: The device also includes a built-in compass and accelerometer which allows you to pan left or right, up and down, just by my moving the device. StreetView syncs with the built-in compass on your device and allows you to view locations, navigate clearly and find your way from right where you’re standing. Or, take a tour of a far-away place as if you were at a spot on the street corner without leaving your location. You can explore the world without taking a step.
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How does Google Maps on this device compare to Google Maps on other devices?

T-Mobile G1 has the best integration of Google Maps of any other device. For example:
  • With built-in A-GPS (Assisted GPS), customers can use Google Maps to navigate and change routes in real time. You can navigate or pan in any direction in Google Maps with the flick of your finger.
  • The Google Maps feature syncs with the built-in compass on your device and allows you to view locations, navigate clearly and find your way from right where you’re standing.
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What is Android Market?

Front and center on T-Mobile G1’s home screen is Android Market, an application storefront developed by Google where you can browse and download new and existing open applications. There will be a star rating system for the applications where you will see the most popular or newest applications first.
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Is there a charge to access Android Market?

No, access to Android Market is free.
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Will I pay for applications on Android Market or will the applications be free-of-charge?

Initially, applications on Android Market will be free-of-charge. In the future, applications will be available for purchase.
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How can I make purchases at Android Market? Who will be billed for purchases?

Front and center on the T-Mobile G1 home screen is Android Market where you can browse and download new and existing open applications. There will be a rating system where you will see the most popular or newest applications first.
All purchases from Android Market will be billed/charged by Google or its partners.
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What type of applications will be available on Android Market when T-Mobile G1 is available?

A variety of innovative applications from the developer community will be available on Android Market from games to social networking to music and on-the-go shopping. Android Market will continue to grow with more and more applications from the developers.
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Will charges for applications purchased on Android Market appear on T-Mobile bills?

No, Android Market charges will not appear on T-Mobile service bills. All purchases from Android Market will be billed/charged by Google or its partners.
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Music

What type of music features does the device have? ›
What size microSD card does the device come with? ›
What file formats does the music player support? ›

What type of music features does the device have?

T-Mobile G1 comes equipped with a music player with a 1 GB memory card. It also comes ready with the Amazon MP3 Store application for easy access and download of music.
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What size microSD card does the device come with?

T-Mobile G1 will come equipped with a 1 GB memory card.
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What file formats does the music player support?

T-Mobile G1’s music player supports MP3, AAC, AAC+, WMA, OGG, and RM.

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