Android phone equipped with kill switch

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by Jan Harris

The first ‘Google phone’, the G1, which runs on the open source Android platform, has a built in kill switch which will allow Google to remotely disable applications.

This probably sounds familiar, as Apple used the same technique on its iPhone, much to the discomfort of some of its customers.

In the terms of service for the HTC manufactured device, Google says that it retains the right to remotely remove applications from the phone at its sole discretion.

Google goes on to say that a user would be reimbursed for any commercial software it removes in this way.

The HTC G1 is due to be launched on 22 October, by US carrier T-Mobile.

The device features a 3.17 inch touch screen, which is said to be very responsive in reviews; music player, 3 megapixel camera, and Wi-Fi access for speedier downloads.