The iPhone was recently launched in South Africa with much fanfare. During the same period Google’s mobile phone, the HTC G1, made headlines internationally.

The HTC G1 signals Google’s entrance into the mobile phone market and will run Google’s Android mobile operating system.

The G1 combines touch-screen functionality and a QWERTY keyboard with a mobile Web experience that includes the popular Google products, including Google Maps Street View, Gmail, YouTube and others.

"Increasingly, connectivity does not just mean a phone call, but rather access to the world’s information," said Andy Rubin, senior director of mobile platforms for Google.

"Today’s news signifies an important first step for the Open Handset Alliance: With Android, we’ve opened the mobile Web not only for millions of users, but also to mobilize the developer community that understands the next most important platform in the world rests in the palm of our hand."

G1 heading for local shores

Good news for local Google and HTC enthusiasts is that the HTC G1 phone is coming to South Africa.

According to the ZATechshow’s Simon Dingle HTC confirmed that Google’s G1 Android phone will be launched to South Africa next year.

Dingle further said that it has been confirmed that Vodacom will be the network partner for Google’s G1 phone.

Vodacom confirmed this report and said that it is currently finalising negotiations to offer the HTC G1 phone to customers in South Africa.

Google HTC G1 discussion