Rumor Mill: AT&T prepping Android assault

AT&T Mobility is reportedly going to launch multiple phones this year based on Google's Android platform, according to leaked slides on the blog Engadget.

The carrier may launch an HTC-made phone, dubbed Lancaster, that has 850/1900 MHz HSPA support, a full Qwerty keyboard, 3-megapixel camera and a "unique HTC social messaging user interface." The blog said the phone is expected to be available Aug. 3, but that may change. HTC has repeatedly said it will unveil at least two more Android phones this year, in addition to the already released Magic.

AT&T also is going to launch a Motorola Android phone, called the Heron, according to Engadget. The phone has a slideout keyboard, 3-megapixel camera and assisted GPS. The Heron is expected to be launched Nov. 2, according to the blog, but the final date remains uncertain. Motorola has said it will release Android phones in the fourth quarter. 

AT&T declined to comment.

Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile USA are currently the only two U.S. operators that are members of the Google-led Open Handset Alliance.

For more:
- see this Engadget post [1]
- see this Engadget post [2]
- see this article

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