Huawei announces an Android 2.2 phone

MAINLAND CHINA'S Huawei has announced an affordable smartphone that it claims is the first low-cost handset that will ship with Google's Android 2.2 operating system.

The Huawei Ideos handset will be available from mid-October. It is a compact device with a 2.8-inch capacitive touch screen that will have a recommended price of between £99 and £129 on pay-as-you-go tariffs.

The handset, which the Chinese telecom co-developed with Google, will sport a Google logo. It redefines the entry-level concept by combining full-featured performance with high quality hardware and software, Huawei said.

"It's the only device with Google branding and Android 2.2 at a competitive price point, letting users access the latest and greatest version of the OS at low cost," said Nicola Philbin, Huawei director of terminals for UK and Ireland.

The Ideos supports HSPA/3G up to 7.2Mbps, 802.11n WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth and WiFi tethering so the handset can be used as a hotspot.

The phone has 256MB of memory plus 512MB Flash ROM, supports SD Cards up to 16GB, and has a 3.2 megapixel camera.

Another key feature is automatic updating of the Android platform, allowing users to upgrade over the air as soon as a new Android release is available, Huawei claimed.

Huawei hinted that it is seeking greater recognition for its brand in Europe, but Tim Watkins, Huawei VP for western Europe, said that the company name is a stumbling block for English speakers and that the firm instead hopes to establish the Ideos brand for its handsets.

The name Ideos stands for industrial design, evolution and operating system, according to Huawei.

Huawei also launched the E5s Pocket Wi-Fi hotspot, which can link up to five WiFi devices to the Internet via a 3G connection. It has a one-touch WiFi activation button, greater range and an improved battery life of up to five hours.

The E5s has a recommended price of £39 to £69 on a pay-as-you-go tariff. µ