Samsung unveils Google phone, Vodafone NZ firms up Android plans

Google’s Android operating system continues to gather steam.

Samsung has become the first A-list consumer electronics maker to show off a cellphone running on Google’s Android software.

The Korean company - the world’s number two cellphone seller beyond Nokia - will release the Samsung i7500 in Europe in June, and through the US and Asia during the second half of the year.

Beyond Google’s operating system software, the i7500 (pictured) features a raft of mod-cons including a 5 megapixel camera and 3.2-inch organic light emitting diode (OLED) touchscreen.

Vodafone NZ says it is in talks with Samsung, and should have the i7500 on its 3G network later this year.

The i7500 will operate at either 850Mhz (the frequency used by Telecom’s 3G network launching May 13) or 900MHz (used by Vodafone’s 3G network).

So far, only HTC has released an Android phone, the G1, and only through US-based carrier T-Mobile (although unlocked, parallel-imported models are sold here).

Soon the G1 will be joined by the HTC Magic, aka the G2 (left), which Vodafone will sell worldwide including New Zealand. Talk has been of G2 release in the second half, but a Vodafone New Zealand spokesman says to expect the Android handset here “mid-year”.

Telecom, which has a closer relationship with Samsung than Vodafone, has yet to respond to queries regarding the i7500, but in previous comments has taken a guarded approach to Google’s OS.

"Samsung is a key strategic partner of Telecom," says spokeswoman Rebbecca Earl "and we have been presented a number of Samsung devices for consideration on our roadmap - including Windows Mobile, Android, and devices using Samsung's own UI."

Ms Earl says Telecom also has access to handsets from Android G1 and G2 maker HTC. It will select devices from all-comers as they come to market, and as it considers them locally relevant.

Motorola - which is placing a big bet on Google's OS as it attempts a comeback - and Sony Ericsson also have Android handsets slatted for the second half of this year, which should both see New Zealand release., while HP could shortly become the first mainstream PC maker to port Android to a netbook.