Google Ion (HTC Magic) first look

Ever since we first heard of the HTC Magic, we've been waiting on the edges of our seats for it to land at T-Mobile. After all, the Magic would be our second Android phone for review and we were eager to see if Google and HTC could improve upon their initial T-Mobile G1. Our curiosity peaked after a T-Mobile-ready Magic cleared the FCC two months ago, but hope turned to impatience as the weeks dragged on. Instead of being the "Year of Android," 2009 was turning out to be frustratingly quiet.

But just as we were about to give up, a device called the Google Ion made the rounds at the Google I/O Conference. Essentially a Magic with slight cosmetic tweaks, the Google Ion shares most of the G1's features and adds the Android 1.5 "cupcake" update. The Ion won't be released into the wild as a mass market device, but we decided to give it a shakedown anyway, since it came equipped for T-Mobile's 3G service. And we're very glad that we did.

Rest assured that the Ion is an attractive smartphone with a load of features and an intuitive interface. Sleek where the G1 was clunky, the Ion improves immeasurably on its G1 predecessor. In all seriousness, it should have been the original Android device. We still have a few complaints, and some users may miss a physical keyboard, but the result is a powerful handset that can rival the iPhone on many fronts.

Design
The Google Ion is quite unlike HTC's earlier G1, and that's a good thing. While the G1 was rather large to accommodate its physical keyboard, the touch-screen-only Ion sports a sleek profile, glossy skin, and an eye-catching blue-and-black color scheme. It's an appealing device in all regards and we're glad to see an Android phone that actually looks cutting edge. At 4.65 inches tall by 2.19 inches wide by 0.65 inch deep and 4.09 ounces, the Ion has a sturdy, comfortable feel in the hand and it slips cleanly into a pocket or bag for easy traveling.

The Ion's real estate is dominated by a gorgeous 3.2-inch touch screen. The bright 480x320 pixel HVGA display shows colors, graphics and photos beautifully; it also offers a customizable brightness setting and an adjustable backlighting time. You can personalize the screen with a selection of wallpapers.

The user interface is similar to the G1's, which means it is fun, clean, and intuitive. Compared with the iPhone, there is a very slight learning curve, but it takes only a few minutes to know what goes where. And once you understand it, you shouldn't have to look at the user manual again. The home screen is made of three panels side by side, which you can move between by swiping your finger across the display. In a bold degree of customization, you can populate the screen with any number of shortcut icons that give instant access to the related applications. The Ion comes with a selection of default icons, but you can remove them or add more as you wish. Such customization and ease-of-use makes for one of the best cell phone UI's around.

On the whole, the touch interface is responsive. We could move through long lists easily by flicking our finger (to go quickly) or by dragging it up and down the screen (to go more slowly). We could also scroll around Web pages with relative ease. Just be advised that, like the G1, the Ion doesn't have an iPhone-like multitouch interface that allows you to zoom in by pinching your fingers. Also, while the Ion has an accelerometer, it doesn't work in every feature (see below).

The display offers haptic feedback, but only for certain actions. For example, a quick tap to open an application won't offer any feedback, but you will feel a very slight vibration if you press and hold (aka a "long press"). On the G1, a long press when inside an application would bring up a menu window with pertinent commands for that feature. The Ion, however, has a physical Menu key that performs that function. Yet, like the G1, you use a long press to drag icons around the display. Be advised that the Ion has a capacitive touch screen, so you must use your finger; a stylus or your fingernail won't work.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Google
• Ion
• (HTC
• Magic)
• first
• look

[reveng101]

Anyone who compares phone with the iPhone needs to be slapped. The iPhone is the most overrated phone ever created. Android blows iPhone away hands down.

[lilraz02]

so whats the difference then between the htc magic an this?

[gtgidemgreen]

LOL, 3 names for one pone, t-mobile mytouch 3g; google ion; and HTC magic. I don't know about you but one name is way less confusing.

[gtgidemgreen]

@reveng101 I have an iPhone and android phone and the iPhone whops it, the iPhones OS is just way better, also the hardware is better looking and functioning.

[zokiplamen]

@lilraz02 this one has the google logo on the back :)

[Skimmt]

Is this capacitive touch??

[SGRacingInc]

are u a retard? u just said megapixel camera.....

let me know when u find a digital camera that doesnt use megapixels. most people are probably wondering how many megapixels dumbass

[ispaniola]

oops, should be "developers"

[ispaniola]

XDA-DEVLEOPERS . C O M

(I used Modaco 2.2 but havent visited for a while so there are probably all kinds of other newer roms)

[UNOCarnage001]

Hey. where did you download your version of the Hero ROM? I'd like it please :)

[Jesermay]

Gratz :D

[ispaniola]

My carrier didnt have it and frankly I dont think it's worth the extra money over the Magic, so I got the Magic :D

Great phone and I'm running the Hero ROM on it, so all is good!

:)