You know what sucks? Not being able to get an Android phone in Australia. Sure, now that they’ve worked out a way to unlock it, you could import a G1 to show off, but some of us just refer legitimate channels to get our gadgets. Thankfully, according to the SMH yesterday, local company Kogan is planning on launching an Android handset before Christmas this year for the Australian market.
The phone’s design hasn’t been finalised yet, but it will be a touchscreen affair and incorporate a trackball for easy navigation, as well as Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth. It’s due to launch December 15 for just $199.
Considering the biggest problem I’ve found with Kogan products is their user interface, the fact that the handset will be Android based is a masterstroke. Obviously we’ll be looking to get our hands on a unit as soon as possible, and we’ll keep you posted of any updates.
[SMH]
Pigsy101
Friday, October 31, 2008 at 12:25 PMGood on Kogan in going for it … BUT stating it’s only to be $199 AND the design hasn’t been done yet …. well … all as I can say is it’s not a bad way to get some free advertising.
Michael Low
Friday, October 31, 2008 at 12:39 PMNot meaning to be pedantic, but like all manufacturers, putting the device together is one thing and getting it shipped to Oz by Christmas for sales is all good. However, has Kogan looked into the certification aspect of his product seeing as it is a mobile phone device thus requiring certification for use in Australia. I think that takes a few months at least on a finished product through a certified laboratory. I’ve bought stuff off ebay from overseas manufacturers which are probably not certified and the amount of interference on my car radio signal is horrible. I see that Ruslan Kogan previously sold lots of electronic goods, but this would be his first mobile phone product…. has he put any thought into certification of this product?
Macca
Friday, October 31, 2008 at 1:04 PMI think I want one.
StevoTheDevo
Friday, October 31, 2008 at 2:11 PMI wouldn’t mind one to play with..
KatS
Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 1:49 PMIts been released: http://www.kogan.com.au/
$299 for the base model and $399 for the Pro that has WI-FI, GPS, 2.0 MP CAMERA, HIGH-SPEED 3G.
You can order now, but it won’t get shipped until the 29th Jan 2009.. I think i’d rather wait and see what the reviews are.
Laba Man
Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 11:44 PMOMG…Kogan is my nick name in many handset forum.
I am using that nick name since 2003…and now I see that a manufacture using it for a name of their phone since about Nov and Dec 2008.
Oh My God…