Supposed leaked Android G2 shots reveal no keyboard

January 21, 2009 | MG Siegler | Comments | |

After the launch of T-Mobile’s G1, the first phone running Google’s Android mobile platform, I trashed its keyboard, calling it a failed lesson in ergonomics. But the bigger picture is that physical keyboards, as much as some hate to admit it, are going to be a thing of the past in the not too distant future. Don’t believe me? Look at the newly leaked shots of the G2, HTC’s follow-up to the G1, which Gizmodo got a hold of today.

Is it possible these are fakes? Sure, but the pictures seem very much in line with earlier rumors for the G2. We already know that the Android team has built a virtual keyboard similar to the iPhone’s to work with the G1, so it seems plausible, if not likely that the G2 will in fact ditch the physical keyboard.

That could send a lot of Android fans who need keyboards over to Palm’s soon-to-launch Pre, but that too will one day lose its physical keyboard. It has already happened to RIM’s BlackBerry device with the release of the Storm, and it will happen to Palm devices eventually too.

The iPhone’s virtual keyboard isn’t perfect, but its benefits — the fact that it takes up no physical space and can be oriented by the software — outweigh the few user complaints that they can’t get used to typing on it. And when haptic feedback (tactile feedback on a screen that lets you orient your hands) becomes standard on these devices, physical keyboards will be a distant memory.

Gizmodo is hearing the G2 will launch in mid-May, which is in line with some things we’ve been hearing as well. Certainly, the device will not be launching in a few days, as earlier reports suggested.

Next Story: Ardian nabs $30M to treat heart failure
Previous Story: Google’s inauguration search queries show a rapidly evolving Internet

Bookmark and Share

Tags: , , , , ,

Photo of MG Siegler

About the Author, MG Siegler

MG Siegler writes about technology trends and new media for VentureBeat, with a focus on mobile topics, social elements and key news stories. Before that, MG wrote about technology on his blog, ParisLemon. Originally from Ohio, MG attended the University of Michigan where he studied film. He's previously lived in Los Angeles where he worked in Hollywood and in San Diego where he did web development. He now lives in San Francisco.

  • TheodoreTheDinosuar
    sure this could be the new g2 but if you look for pictures there is one more that still has a keyboard bigger screen than this one and the virtual keyboard for the g1 works amazingly but so many more people i know who have the g1 would rather yse the physical keyboard. i also like the physical keyboard more. but also i can't say this isnt the new g2 its just there are pictures of another g2 but i guess we wont know for sure until it hits stores. cant wait though either way there both better than anyother smart phone barnone
  • N
    Just a small update, its no G2 phone, its a HTC Magic phone.. :)