Google’s (News - Alert) foray into the mobile phone space was much anticipated and had been watched closely by industry experts. The search giant has the assets, the connections and the brand power to make it work. The question is: has it been successful?

A full review was provided by Associated Press (AP) and in it, the G1, powered by Google’s Android operating system, was described as offering features that will even turn the heads of iPhone (News - Alert) fans.

The new device is slated for release on October 22 by T-Mobile in the U.S. With a two-year contract, it will cost the customer $179. About the size of the iPhone, the new device will be available in either black or bronze.

The G1 will offer a large touch screen, a slide-out QWERTY keyboard (which has spurred comparisons to the T-Mobile (News - Alert) Sidekick), and an angled lower half that houses four buttons and a trackball.

The device also sports an adjacent microSD card slot, loaded with a 1 gigabyte card. Tiny in size, this card provides the necessary storage for photos and songs that will be accessible on the G1. The device will support cards up to 16 gigabytes.

The AP writer examining the phone found the G1 easy to use as it offers an intuitive interface and many of Google’s familiar services, including search, Gmail, Google Talk and Google Maps, which is enhanced by a built-in compass.

During this trial, the AP user had no difficulty with instant messaging, searching for specific stores in an area and making calls. The browser was thought to be appealing, simple to navigate and the screen was considered to be clear and sharp.

It was found that while the G1 delivered great performance in its features, such activities quickly ran down the battery. The device offers up to five hours of talk time and nearly 5 ½ days of standby time. Manufacturers should really consider changing this description as no one is going to use such a device to merely make calls, nor will they let it simply remain idle.

One of the biggest pulls for the G1 will be the Android (News - Alert) Market. With its open platform, third-party developers are able to offer add-on programs and games that can be downloaded wirelessly.

Such downloads are currently free, but don’t expect that to last. There appeared to be very few applications available, but given the opportunity, more will likely be available soon.

The device also includes a barcode scanner that will link to related Web searches; Ecorico, which uses GPS capabilities to track trips and compute carbon footprints; connection to Amazon.com’s online MP3 store; and built-in YouTube (News - Alert) support.

One element that the reviewer did not appreciate was the included earbud headset, which was considered uncomfortable. The G1 only works with this particular set, not being compatible with stereo Bluetooth headsets.

The headset plugs into the USB port, which is also used to charge the phone, making it impossible to use preferred headphones or listen to anything while charging the phone — unless the included speaker is used instead.

While the G1 has been proven to be less than perfect, it was given a positive rating for its first time out. Every new wonder gadget is met with limitations in its first edition and Google will just have to try harder next time. After all, what better way to find out what your consumer wants than to give them something to try?