NTT DoCoMo said it would launch an Android-powered handset - Japan\'s first and Asia\'s third - as early as June.
The HTC-developed HT-03A, which will launch in June or July, will include a touchscreen and trackball, as well as WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS functionality.
The handset will also feature the standard Android features, such as integrated search and YouTube support.
Chinese handset-makers China Tech FaithWireless and Qigi began shipping an Android-powered handset last December - the region\'s first.
SingTel launched southeast Asia\'s first Android phone, the HTC Dream, in Singapore and Australia.
Meanwhile, the long-awaited Palm Pre will start shipping in the US in June. Sprint said it would retail the phone for $199.99 on a two-year contract.