New York (NY) – T-Mobile, HTC and Google this morning unveiled the G1 smartphone with a distinct focus on “openness” as well as Google Maps and Search applications. Device and plan pricing is just below the iPhone.

At first look, the HTC Dream, now called the T-Mobile G1, looks much more appealing than what we have seen on blurry picture son the Internet in the past weeks, and Google quite apparently managed to create an iPhone-like interface with a unique look.

The first demonstrations included a touchscreen that supports flick-panning, one-touch access to search features, one-touch access to buying music from Amazon and extensive GPS/Google maps features that include an advanced Streetview feature called “Compass”: The view changes as the direction of the G1 is changes. There was also a first look on third party applications such as games from Namco.

T-Mobile said that T-Mobile can pre-order the G1 today, with shipments expected to begin on October 22. The device will sell for $179 with a 2-year contract. The carrier will offer separate voice and data plans: Voice plans start at $30 per month and data plans at $25 for unlimited web and limited messaging. Unlimited web and messaging is available for $35 per month.     

More to come.