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China Mobile to offer Android handsets?

Categories: China Mobile, Devices, HTC, Linux, Rumors
By: , IntoMobile
Monday, September 29th, 2008 at 5:25 AM

China Mobile may be offering Android-powered handsets, according to industry sources in Taiwan. Here are the facts that suggests we may see this happening in the near future:

  • China Mobile is the only China-based mobile operator that is a member of Google’s Open Handset Alliance.
  • In September 2007, China Mobile and Google, Marvell, China-based software developer Borqs International formed a technology alliance to promote a Linux-based open mobile system (OMS), integrating mobile applications specifically for the China market.

Originally, Chinese mobile operator planned to starting offer a Google phone by the end of 2008, with OMS applications to be developed by Borqs, the sources indicated. However, because the development of applications has lagged behind schedule, China Mobile is likely to postpone launching the handset until Q2 2009.

Alternatively, China Mobile may partner with HTC to offer an Android handset first by the end of 2008. And while we’re talking about HTC, the Taiwan-based smartphone maker plans to set up a subsidiary in China with clear idea to gain some market share in the “world’s fastest growing economy.” We’ll see where this goes…

[Via: DigiTimes]

About The Author

Dusan Belic

Dusan has been using smartphones since their introduction and is now following the latest trends in the industry. The "convergence" is what he's most excited about, and writing about it is the next logical thing to do. He thinks that using a smartphone is what everyone who cares about their time should do. In addition to his interests in mobile phones, Dusan also loves to experiment with the latest web and mobile 2.0 services. The idea of accessing and managing your information from any device no matter where you are simply amazes him. Whether it's an online to-do list, note taking service or a video sharing social network, he's there to try it out. He admits though, he's still searching for the ultimate web-based organizational tool, which "sings" perfectly with the mobile PIM application. Dusan used to run SymbianWatch.com which later became part of IntoMobile. He lives in Serbia, South-East Europe, from where he edits the site on a daily basis.

  • Jack Qian

    I hope China Mobile can bring in the amazing gphone. But China’s 3G is different than anywhere else. Maybe htc China G1 will different in hardware? Or only change the software will solve it?