A rumor floating around that the T-Mobile G1 has multi-touch capability hidden in there somewhere is rumor no longer. A developer has hacked the underlying code of the Android OS to show us that the G1 can indeed be further developed to have multi-touch capabilities.

The developer came up with a proof-of-concept of G1’s multi-touch capabilities, which was captured on video for your viewing pleasure above. This means that in the future, we’ll definitely see phones running on Android with multi-touch capability. The developer will put up the instructions and necessary source codes to replicate his work, but for now, you can watch the video above and be in awe.

RyeBlog via IntoMobile

These leather cases were tailor-made for the T-Mobile G1’s form with cutouts in placed they should be such as G1’s ports both input and output and, of course, the camera. Magnetic studs, as usual, hold the device in place and yes, they do come with a removable 360 degree belt clip. You can choose among the flip and book types, brown, red and black colors, and the ordinary and crocodile leather textures below.

Mr.Gadget T-mobile G1 HTC Dream Google Android Leather Case (Filp /Brown)
Mr.Gadget T-mobile G1 HTC Dream Leather Case (Book /Brown)
Mr.Gadget T-mobile G1 HTC Dream Leather Case (Black /Brown Crocodile)
Mr.Gadget T-mobile G1 HTC Dream Google Android Leather Case (Filp /Red)
Mr.Gadget T-mobile G1 HTC Dream Leather Case (Book /Red)
Mr.Gadget T-mobile G1 HTC Dream Leather Case (Red /Brown Crocodile)
Mr.Gadget T-mobile G1 HTC Dream Leather Case (Filp /Brown Crocodile)

Another is the retractable USB cable used for both synchronizing data and recharging your handset. The device has a one meter retractable cable and USB connector for connection to computers. Finally, we got the classic screen protector for you all, to prevent that touch screen panel from scratches. Just like our other screen protectors, this one made for the T-Mobile G1 is also glue-free and can be applied, removed, and then re-applied once again. It’s a silicon coated screen protector that’s washable used to protect your display and preserve its newish look in the long term.

Mr.Gadget T-mobile G1 HTC Dream Google Android Car Charger
Mr.Gadget T-mobile G1 HTC Dream Retractable USB Cable (Sync & Charge)
Mr.Gadget T-mobile G1 HTC Dream Google Android Screen Protector

While the G1 doesn’t seem like the shiny, fragile device that’s a magnet for fingerprints and scratches, you still need to protect its touch screen display. Here’s a list of styles we got available for you today, all are leather cases in different form factors to better suit your needs.

• Mr.Gadget T-mobile G1 HTC Dream Leather Case (Vertical Pouch Type)
• Mr.Gadget T-mobile G1 HTC Dream Google Android Leather Case (Pouch Type)
• Mr.Gadget T-mobile G1 HTC Dream Google Android Leather Case (Book Type)
• Mr.Gadget T-mobile G1 HTC Dream Google Android Leather Case (Filp Type)

All have cutouts for ports, speaker and camera.

Not long afterwards though, Google took action and released an update that would patch the jailbreak back up. Jailbreaking the G1 means people now got root access to the system and Google saw it as a security threat. The update called RC30 is now available but just like the iPhone that gets jailbroken every time an update re-locks the system, it won’t be long before the flourishing Google Android community releases a fix of their own.

Here’s Google’s official statement about the issue:

“We’ve been notified of this issue (Jailbreaking of Android) and have developed a fix. We’re currently working with our partners to push the fix out and updating the open source code base to reflect these changes.”

Via MobileMag

This is what a lot of people from all over the world might have been waiting for – the moment the T-Mobile G1 or the HTC Dream gets unlocked. From what I’ve heard, there’s an abundance of the first Google Android handset for sale on Ebay, but it’s useless if it can’t be used in other networks, especially in countries outside the USA.

Folks over at Unlock T-Mobile G1 were finally able to manage to unlock the handset and are selling their unlock codes for US$22.99 per. That price will get you a worldwide unlock code that will let you use the G1 with any provider from anywhere on earth. Of course, you could always get someone to buy the G1 for you in the United States, wait 90 days, and get it unlocked by T-Mobile itself. By then though, since it’s already the first quarter of 2009, new Android phones are lined up for release, and you’ll probably be eyeing something else. OR you can just skip the T-Mobile G1 altogether and wait for something else, right?

Unlock T-Mobile G1 Via Android Community

You didn’t expect for the T-Mobile G1’s interface to have been the only one in consideration when the phone was being developed, did you? It gets annoying to be shown the “what could have been” of anything since that means you could have gotten something you wanted more, so let me annoy you with a look at the T-Mobile G1’s rejected user interface options.

Above are images of a few images that could have been G1’s user interface rather than what’s seen on the handset itself today. One notable interface is the pink-ish one at the top left called “Asian Cute,” which is, errr, terribly cute but something that could deter a lot of people from getting the device. The interface the T-Mobile G1 ended up with isn’t that attractive, true. So I’m curious, if you get a chance to choose among the user interfaces posted at the TAT showroom, which one would you go for?

via CrunchGear

While all of them have their own things to say about the G1, they seem to echo each other’s thoughts and perhaps even ours. They all agreed that the G1 is far from perfect and that the hardware itself isn’t much to look at. Like what Android Community said, it lacks that “drool-inducing instant allure of the iPhone 3G.” What really matters though is the Google Android OS. It’s imperfect at this point in time yes, but it has tremendous potential for the future. There are some Google elements left out like Google Docs or Reader which would have benefitted users, but in time, all its shortcomings could be patched up. As Gizmodo pointed out though, it’s not something you want to give the not-so-tech adept, but it’s a “pretty exciting venture.”

Read Engadget’s, Gizmodo’s, and Android Community’s review of the T-Mobile G1

One of the main features of the HTC Dream aka T-Mobile G1 is the “Search” functionality that aims to comply with Google’s mission that according to them is “to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.”

Search is integrated on various applications on the HTC Dream, with each application having a Search menu option. The Search menu is different for each app; for example, some have independent Search widgets, some like the Maps feature have type-to-search function that automatically opens Search when you start typing, while others like the Android Market have Search buttons. Just like how Google works online, it uses Google Suggest technology that offers suggestions on your web searches or pops up similar queries you’ve already made before. The music player can even use apps like YouTube to search info about the tracks you have on the phone. You can watch the Google Android Search function in action on the video above.

Via Google Mobile blog

Although it does lack the “wow” factor, I’m sure it’s got its audience as its specs are decent. The HTC Dream has a 3.17-inch HVGA resolution touch screen display and a 3.1 megapixel camera. The HSDPA/GSM phone is available in white, black, and brown and comes preinstalled with 1GB microSD card slot although it supports up to 8GB cards. There’s GPS with Google Maps, YouTube, Amazon MP3 Store, a few other apps, and of course, the Android Market. It lacks a few things though, such as a 3.5mm jack and A2DP support, but for now, the G1 will sell in the US for $179 on a $25 per month 2-year contract starting October 22. Unfortunately, Australian carriers say they’re actually “unaware of any Android plans,” and can’t even say if they’ll carry the HTC Dream in the future.

Check out T-Mobile G1’s official web site

Via Giz and CNET AU