T-Mobile has launched a G1 emulator website, allowing interested parties to experience the new user interface and get to grips with Google’s open-source operating system Android ahead of the first handset launch on October 22. The emulator allows users to ‘test-drive’ the menu, check the email setup and add shortcuts to the desktop, as well as showcasing basic details such as the SIM, battery and memory card insertion.

The first Android-based device – HTC’s G1 – will be available exclusively from T-Mobile USA later this month. Last week, Mobile Business Briefing revealed that T-Mobile UK also has exclusive rights to the device – and its Google branding – for at least three months when it launches in early November. T-Mobile will follow the UK and US launches with more of its markets in Europe in the first quarter of next year. Google’s new operating system is expected to feature on more devices (other than HTC’s G1), and will be available from operators other than T-Mobile, next year.