T-Mobile to launch MyTouch 3G next month

T-Mobile is prepared to launch its second Google Android-based phone next month, taking direct aim at the popular Apple iPhone 3GS.

The MyTouch 3G was originally announced last month by T-Mobile, and will publicly launch on Aug. 5.  Until then, existing T-Mobile subscribers now have the ability to pre-order the new phone, though it’s not expected to sell out after public release.  This is the first time the company provided an exact release date, and marks its first time on pre-order.

T-Mobile is well known for kicking off the Android OS craze with the launch of its G1 Android phone last year, and hopes to keep that momentum moving forward.

The MyTouch 3G has a 3.2-in. touch screen, 3G network access, WiFi, and will naturally ship with easy access to Google Apps.  Unlike the G1, the MyTouch 3G has a virtual keyboard rather than a physical keyboard.  Phone owners will also be able to use the Android Market, which has around 5,000 application available (some free, some for purchase).

For consumers who own a G1 and are looking for a new Android phone, the MyTouch 3G is a very similar unit, except for the difference in keyboards & more powerful hardware.  T-Mobile has learned from past marketing mistakes and is now using a different PR campaign to promote the MyTouch 3G.

Interested consumers will be able to purchase the MyTouch 3G for $199 with a two-year phone contract agreement.

Company officials hope the MyTouch 3G will not only compete with the iPhone, but will also be compared to the popular Apple smartphone.  In an ideal world, the MyTouch 3G will be able to match or surpass the sales of the G1.  Exact sales figures aren’t available, but it appears T-Mobile sold more than one million G1 units in its first three months on the market.

T-Mobile remains one of the four largest wireless carriers in the U.S., but has had trouble taking subscribers away from AT&T and Verizon Wireless.  T-Mobile’s heavy reliance on Android may help consumers interested in using an open platform jump from other carriers to their service.