Following the model of Apple, with its iPhone, Google is controlling the Android phone’s programs. Even if users found it hard to believe that the iPhones have a kill switch built in that could destroy applications one has bought and paid for, the rumor was quickly confirmed, to the shock of the buyers. Now Google has a similar kill switch in its G1 phone, which says that Google can remotely kill your programs: "Google may discover a product that violates the developer distribution agreement ... in such an instance, Google retains the right to remotely remove those applications from your device at its sole discretion."

There is still a good thing about this kill switch: people who will buy the T-Mobile Android will know that it contains such a feature. Apple never told the media or the buyers that they could pay for programs that might be killed. Google also says that it will try to refund users for any deleted applications, or at least a partial refund that can come from the developer. Another generous offer from Google states that everyone can return the Android in 24 hours from the time they have purchased it, with a full refund, it they are not happy with it. Furthermore, the decision to introduce a kill switch might not be so bad after all, and that’s because Android users have a real chance in opening a malicious or unwanted application.

G1 will be the first phone to run the Android software developed by Google, going on sale on October 22. Pre-sales for this product have reached an incredible 1.5 million, but this number might grow because there’s still time until the release date.