Dell, Samsung, Huawei offer new Androids

In a banner week for Google's fast-growing mobile OS, Dell has launched an Android-powered smartphone, while Huawei and Samsung promised Android devices next week.

 

Dell yesterday launched itself into the ultra-competitive US smartphone market, unveiling its first handheld device for the market as part of a strategy to cut its reliance on PC sales.

 

The Dell Aero is available from AT&T for $100 with a two-year contract, or for $300 contract free.

 

Although the Aero has handwriting recognition and comes pre-loaded with Adobe’s Flash Lite software, it is already being touted as a low-end smartphone because it runs version 1.5 of the Android platform.

 

The Washington Post notes that the majority of new Android smartphones run the more recent v2.1, and many vendors are preparing to launch devices running v2.2 – the latest version of the platform. 

 

Dell’s first smartphone, the Mini 3i, debuted in China last year as it looks to diversify into new product areas to reduce its reliance on PC sales.