Live Blog: Google's Android Press Gathering

Google is holding a press event to showcase the new Nexus One and possibly some other mobile innovations today. We already know quite a few details about the phone itself, but hopefully Google will also have a few surprises up its sleeve. The press conference should get under way at 10 a.m. PST and we will live blog the event here.

We will post updates as they happen. Keep reloading this page to see the latest news.

10:00 a.m. As usual, the event is running a bit late.

10:06 a.m. Getting started. VP of Product Development takes the stage to talk about the Open Handset Alliance.

"We will unveil the next generation of the evolution of Android today."

Thirteen new members will join the OHC - including: NEC, China Telecom and Freescale.

Recapping the history of Android hardware (G1, myTouch, Droid)

10:10 a.m. "A year ago we had 1 device, now we have 20 devices on 59 carriers."

Google wants to prevent fragmentation - talking about compatibility test suite.

"Android today is about getting more users onto the mobile web." Android users search the web over 30-times more on Android than on feature phones.

From the beginning, Android was always about being developer friendly.

Talking about being able to multi-task (a subtle swipe at the iPhone?)

The Next Step in the Android Evolution

10:15 a.m. "We are only in the early stages of the evolution of Android."

Volume and variety of Android devices has exceeded Google's expectations. "But we want to do more."

Wants to work closer with hardware partners to showcase the software.

Announcing the Nexus One

"Where Web Meets Phone"

10:18 a.m. Google calls this a new category of phones: "super-phones"

On stage now: Peter Chou, CEO of HTC.

Talking up the Nexus One: "The Nexus One is one of the best designs from HTC." Outstanding display, fast processor.

"It pushes the limits of what is possible on a mobile phone today."

Chou leaves the stage after posing with the phone...

10:22 a.m. In depth look at Nexus One

Erik Tseng takes the stage to demo the phone.

Hardware: 3.7 inch AMOLED display - WVGA. "Deep contrast and brilliant colours."

1 GHz processor - fast processor = less slowdowns.

Trackball works as notifications tool. Will pulse when you get new messages.

130 grams - 11.5 mm thick

Sensors: light sensor, proximity sensor.

5 megapixel camera

New for Android: active noise cancellation - using two microphones.

10:29 a.m. Google will offer custom engraving (just like the iPhone...)

"With this hardware, we think we have half of the story. It's the combination of hardware and software that makes this such a great phone."

No surprise: Nexus One will come with Android 2.1

10:31 a.m. New features in 2.1: Customization

More homescreen panels - more widgets

Example: weather widget: knows where you are from GPS

Google expects to see more widgets from 3rd-party developers

Showing live wallpapers.

10:35 a.m.3D capabilities of the Nexus One and Android 2.1

App launcher: new twist - 3D scroll-wheel - icons sit on a 3D wheel instead of a flat page

New photo gallery - written with CoolIris

Everything scrolls smoothly - quite impressive. Looks just like CoolIris on the desktop.

Features background sync with Picasa Web Albums

10:39 a.m. Voice Commands

In 2.0: Voice queries ("directions to nearest Ikea")

In 2.1: Every text field is now voice-enabled.

Voice recognition learns every time you speak a query.

10:42 a.m. Sneak peek at Google Earth for Android

Also voice-enabled.

Clearly making good use of the fast processor. Everything scrolls very smoothly.

Buying the Phone: Google Hosted Web Store

10:45 a.m. How to buy the phone?

Google will sell the phone in its own web store.

Keeping it simple: buy phone without service ($529) - or with service from partners (T-Mobile $179).

For now, T-Mobile only. But: "Expect to add more carriers and hardware in the future."

Verizon Wireless and Vodofone will join the program.

Web Store

10:49 a.m. Demoing the Store

Purchasing all done in the store - no need to go to the physical store.

10:54 a.m. Recap

First phone of a series of phone - more operators, devices and countries coming in the future.

Showing demo video right now.

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