The first handset (the HTC Dream) to run Google's Android will debut today in the US of A, and looking around on some forums it's clear the iPhone fanboys are already on the defensive. It's not that surprising though when there are people out there already proclaiming the 'death' of the iPhone's dominance.

While the interface might not look as funky as the iPhone (it is Google after all), Android will deliver flexibility and freedom, so the potential and range of applications are only as far away as the developers imagination, and that will likely include the ability to customise the GUI. Don't be surprised when someone duplicates the iPhone GUI, and be less surprised when it is surpassed.

As you may or may not know, every app developed by a 3rd party must be approved by Apple before it is allowed on the store. Google on the other hand will not review any application before it is uploaded to the Android store.

Android also lets users do something so utterly simple yet is a seemingly monolithic oversight in the iPhone - cut, copy and paste. Another bonus for Android users is when the Android store goes online, applications will be free.

But the release of Android probably isn't worrying Apple too much. Steve Jobs is very good at getting people to buy products based on shininess. Either that or people just don't care if they buy a product that is very restrictive. I will let you debate on that one. It's true the iPhone is very shiny and it has a fantastic interface, but I prefer my hardware to have unlimited potential and not be restricted by a big-brother-esque application platform. Substance is better than bling.

Even on paper Android's is looking much better than the iPhone. I seriously can't want to get started with it.