When the Android-powered T-Mobile G1 emerged last year, numerous reviewers took an obvious potshot at the hot new smartphone: No flicking, swiping, pinching, unpinching, or other fun finger movements popularized by Apple’s iPhone. An explanation for that omission has been reported, but it leaves more questions than answers.

According to VentureBeat, Apple simply asked Google not to implement multi-touch capabilities in its Android mobile platform for the G1, even though the phone’s touchscreen can support it. The knowledge allegedly

came from a member of the Android team, who said Google agreed to Apple’s desire.

Google’s decision was apparently a huge relief for the Android team, which was concerned that a hard-headed approach would embroil Android in a messy patent fight that could have delayed the rollout of the G1 for months, whether not years.

Avoiding a Patent Fight

Michael Gartenberg, vice president of strategy and analysis for Interpret LLC, said […]

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