Wireless carrier T-Mobile, which introduced the debut Android-based handset last year, has launched a YouTube channel dedicated to educating users about the device.

Coincidentally, market research agency NPD Group said this week that 45 per cent of US mobile users only use their handsets for basic calling functions, eschewing all other multimedia features available.

According to the research, only about 20 per cent of mobile phone users make use of their device as an all-in-one multimedia gadget for music, videos and web surfing.

Text messaging and changeable ringtones top the list of other functions consumers are aware of on their handsets, with just 34 per cent of phone users knowing that their phone’s memory can be expanded; 28 per cent aware that they can watch videos; and 12 per cent aware they can access the internet via wifi.

Nearly a quarter were estimated to be unsure if their phone included GPS, while a similar number (21 per cent) were not sure if their handset would play music.

“Increasingly consumers are purchasing phones with advanced capabilities that go far beyond voice calling, but only those who take advantage of these features offer the best revenue potential for carriers,” said Ross Rubin, director of industry analysis for NPD. “Carriers and other handset retailers have an opportunity to educate customers as to the capabilities of their handsets in the wake of slower overall handset sales.”

T-Mobile, which sells the G1 in the US and UK, said the YouTube channel was designed to give useful advice and tips on how to get the best from the handset.

Before the end of 2008 G1 gadget maker HTC said it expects to shift 1 million units of the G1 by end-2008, up from earlier projections of 600,000.