Not a phone but a portable media player (PMP), Philips’ GoGear Connect looks similar to the GoGear Muse MP3/multimedia player and runs Android 2.1. Philips plans for the device to launch in July. If the Muse is any indication of pricing, the Connect should be relatively affordable compared to the iPod. With Android 2.1 as the OS, the iPod Touch might finally have a serious challenger outside of the Zune HD and Cowon S9.

Android is apparently going to be used in just about every type of gadget: from netbooks to tablets to smartphones and multimedia players.

The iPod Touch’s biggest strength, aside from its multi-touch display, is probably the iPhone OS. Other companies cannot match Apple for its simplicity, elegance, and power. Running on Android 2.1, the GoGear Connect could be what PMP buyers who do not want a full smartphone have been waiting for:

- 3.2″ Touchscreen (480 x 320) with haptic feedback
- 8Gb Memory
- aGPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microSD Slot
- HDMI output with 720p video

This sounds like a Zune HD. Please bring the Connect to Canada.