Google’s next phone

Early previews are coming in for the HTC Google Ion, the successor to Google’s first “G1″ phone, and for the most part, they’re good. Nearly everyone seems to agree that the Ion is an improvement from the G1 — with full touch-screen support — though everyone agrees it’s no iPhone killer. Take a look…

• Wired says the Ion is “faster, sleeker, and smarter” than its predecessor. They love the new 3.2 megapixel camera, the extended battery life, and the easy syncing “your entire life” to the phone instantly using your Gmail account. They also give kudos to the new version of Google’s Android OS. But the less tactile touch screen, the ancient web browser, and the sluggishness of app animations were turn-offs.
• CNET loves the “easy-to-use interface,” fast 3G speeds, and seamless Google app integration, but is disappointed by the Ion’s inability to fully sync with Outlook, poor video quality, and missing headset jack.
• Gizmodo is wild about the shape and weight of the Ion, the beefed up speed thanks to added ROM and RAM, and the not-quite-as-good-as-the-iPhone’s touch screen keyboard. But they lament the lack of a hardware keyboard and the space bar’s nagging habit of not registering your keystroke when typing fast.

There’s no release date yet for the HTC Google Ion, but we’ll keep you posted as more information becomes available!