G1 - Open to third-party developers

A key element is the Google-run Android Market, which lets third-party developers offer add-on programmes and games that you can download wirelessly to the G1. For now, downloads are free, but eventually some may cost money.

There weren't that many programmes available when I tested the G1 -- I counted about three dozen applications and 10 games, a fraction of what Apple's iPhone App Store contains -- but more should come soon. And while Apple has been slowly approving iPhone applications and rejecting some that compete with its own programmes, the Android Market is more open to developers.