The first Android handset could launch in the UK as early as October, with HTC expected to be the first manufacturer to release a device with the Google-backed operating system.

Google unveiled the concept of the Android platform at the end of
last year, along with fellow members of its Open Handset Alliance (OHA), T-Mobile, HTC, Qualcomm and Motorola.

HTC is now expected to be the first member of the OHA to release a handset featuring the software, with speculation that it will feature a large haptic touch-screen and a full QWERTY keypad.

US websites suggest that the ‘HTC Dream’ will appear on T-Mobile’s US network by September for $399.

A spokesman would only confirm that ‘HTC is excited to be launching its first Android-based device in Q4’.