People are raving about Google’s answer to the Apple iPhone. Google’s G1 was released by T-Mobile in October of 2008, but not everyone has caught on to exactly what the G1 offers in comparison to the iPhone.

Google’s unique Android platform is the secret to the innovative technology included in the G1 phone. Since it is basically a new concept for Google, there are still a few kinks to it, but it still offers very stiff competition that Apple will soon need to worry about.

If we compare the technology of the gPhone with the iPhone, we see that there are some characteristics offered by Google that Apple does not supply. Some of these specifics are that the G1 offers multi-media messaging, removable battery, expandable memory, 3 megapixel camera, and video player with third part application. The iPhone does offer more applications, but it also has a higher price tag.

Upon getting a closer look at the G1 the convenience of a barcode scanner for price comparison is very attractive. Navigation is made easy with the keyboard, touch screen and track ball. Many people find it much simpler to use a keyboard than a touch screen, and the G1 offers both.

Anyone who is familiar with the Google web browser will have little difficulty with the G1 phone. In order to become more competitive in today’s smart phone market, Google will not charge a licensing fee to service carriers for Google software. Since Google does specialize in software, this makes it easier for an individual to create their own applications, or download applications for free.

Google’s multi-media capability includes their signature Gmail emailing application, search engine, and maps. With this being Google’s initial attempt there are bound to be some issues with the transference of technology. With the gPhone there is the issue of slow loading and quick draining of the battery with a lot of viewing videos and doing searches.

Shoppers will love the gPhone, as not only does it have the bar code scanner for quick price comparison, but the GPS could prove quite useful in locating new shops and malls. It can provide you with satellite images, map downloads or directions. If those directions are not as good as you would like, there is always the option to Goog-411 and call the business for directions.

The ease of use of the G1 is such that you will barely, if at all, have to pick up the instruction manual. The sound of the G1, whether with or without the use of headphones is quite crisp and clear.

For someone who wants to try their hand at some new technology in the line of a smart phone, the G1 is a good place to start. The Android platform that is the backdrop for this particular phone has been quickly expanding into other phones and the creation of more applications. It is logical to think that since there is no licensing fee that T-Mobile will just be one of many phone service carriers offering phones with the Android platform. At basically four months after the initial release of the G1 in the United States, this is already proving true.