MWC 2009: New 'Google phone' launched in Barcelona

Mobile phone manufacturer Vodafone has unveiled its new HTC Magic smartphone, which uses the Android platform currently used by the T-Mobile G1.The device, called Magic, will be available to consumers in Britain, Germany, Spain and France and should be on sale by the spring.Handset owners will be able to take advantage of a number of functions, including a touchscreen interface and internet access.The device will also contain applications such as Google Maps, Google Mail and instant messaging service Google Talk.Patrick Chomet, global director of terminals at Vodafone Group, commented: "We are extremely careful not to produce products for a niche of geeks, but bring out a proper mass-market consumer device with a lot of attention to design and functionality."Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that paid-for applications for T-Mobile G1 phones are to be rolled out to consumers.This includes the Guitar Hero video game, which will require handset owners to use the device's touchscreen interface to play their favourite rock classics.

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