Ruslan Kogan wasn’t the only one to be disappointed that his Agora range of Android phones didn’t get released by its scheduled January date – I was going to get a demo!

Turns out that Google raised the concern that the Agora Android screen (320×240) size wouldn’t cater for Android apps that were developed for higher resolution screens (480×320). This is the is the first that I’ve heard of any display size restrictions on Android apps.

The plot thickens with speculation that a deal may have been cut between HTC and Google which ensured that HTC would deliver Australia’s first Android phone, not Kogan.

A good example of brand protection from possibly crappy wares?

One can only imagine the hoo-ha raised should there have been a massive list of bugs discovered while running the Android OS on a Kogan Agora phone ? (would’ve have been 2nd in the world).

I feel for Kogan but also understand that Google and HTC have an interest in protecting their “high” standards.

The Sydney Morning Herald Blogs

It’s smiles all around at Google Headquarters worldwide with news that they all received a HTC Touch Dream aka T-Mobile G1 phone for Christmas. This is just another reason why I’d love to work for Google

The G1 Android phone, as the name suggests, was the world’s first mobile to run on Google’s Android platform.

According to Cnet.com.au, there is still no news of Australia getting it’s first batch of HTC Dreams / G1s and for those eager to get their hands on a Android phone, they’ll have to settle for the Kogan Agora which is due for release on the 29th of January 2009.

Via CNet.com.au

Kogan has just announced their first branded mobile phones which also happen to be powered by the Google Android platform – the Kogan Agora and Kogan Agora Pro. I must admit that they look quite decent; design is similar to that of Samsung Blackjack range.

Kogan Agora Google Android Phone Features:

• 2.5-inch TFT-LCD flat touch-sensitive screen.
• Integrated QWERTY keyboard.
• High-speed 3G network connection.
• One-Touch Google Search â„¢.
• Easy Web Browsing.
• Easy-to-use email with attachment support for images, videos, music and documents.
• Customisable Home Screen with instant Email, text message and IM notifications.
• Instant access to mobile Internet services (Gmail â„¢, YouTube â„¢, Google Talk â„¢, Google Calendar â„¢, Google Maps â„¢).
• Music Player.
• Bluetooth® 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate
• microSDâ„¢ expansion slot for all your storage needs.

The Kogan Agora Pro model comes with the welcome additions of GPS, WiFi and a 2MP camera on board.

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