According to google, Google Checkout will be used as the online payment solution for Android Market.  Other than the paid applications announcement, Android Market will start to be available to Singapore users in few weeks time and Australia next week.

[via Android Community]

The HTC Dream’s large vibrant display slides open to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard, great for communicating with friends online or using the phone’s e-mail, Instant Messaging (IM) and mobile messaging capabilities. As another option for accessing the device, The HTC Dream comes equipped with a convenient trackball for an alternative, one-handed navigation.

The HTC Dream features a rich HTML e-mail client, which seamlessly syncs your e-mail, calendar and contacts from Gmail as well as most other POP3 or IMAP e-mail services. The HTC Dream multi-tasks, so you can read a Web page while downloading your e-mail in the background and also combines Instant Messaging support for Google Talk. Pricing and availability details will be announced at a later date.

Specifications:

• Processor: Qualcomm MSM7201A, 528 MHz
• Operating System: Android
• ROM: 256 MB / RAM: 192 MB
• microSD memory card slot
• Dimensions: (LxWxT) 117.7 mm x 55.7 mm x 17.1 mm
• Weight: 158 grams
• Display: 3.2-inch TFT-LCD flat touch-sensitive screen with 320 x 480 (HVGA) resolution
• HSDPA/WCDMA:
  • Europe: 2100 MHz
  • US:1700/2100 MHz
• Up to 7.2 Mbps down-link (HSDPA) and 2 Mbps up-link (HSUPA) speeds
• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
• Keyboard Slide-out 5-row QWERTY keyboard
• built-in GPS receiver and map software
• Bluetooth 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate
• Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11b/g
• HTC ExtUSB (11-pin mini-USB 2.0 and audio jack in one)
• 3.2 megapixel camera
• Battery: 150 mAh Lithium-ion
• Talk time: Up to 350 minutes for WCDMA / Up to 406 minutes for GSM
• Standby time: Up to 402 hours for WCDMA / Up to 319 hours for GSM
• Digital Compass, Motion Sensor

[via Android Community]

Paul Sheridan, Head of Optus Satellite said, “This partnership means that customers in regional areas will no longer need to carry around multiple or bulky handsets. With the GSM/Satellite dual mode handset customers will be able to use the same phone on both the Optus GSM and Thuraya Satellite networks.

the Thuraya next generation single mode Satellite Only handset and the dual mode GSM/Satellite handset, packed with feature rich applications and capabilities including:

• world’s smallest, lightest and compact Satellite phone
• Network selection between the Optus GSM and Thuraya Satellite networks (dual mode handset only)
• Feature rich applications including; SMS, Built in GPS and Camera (dual mode handset only), as well as the ability to connect a Bluetooth device

Optus plans to offer the Thuraya Satellite Only and dual mode GSM/Satellite mobile handsets nationally through Optus MobileSat dealerships and Optus Business sales channels in August and continue roll out to Optus World stores and Optus Wholesale partners in late 2008.