Dell has officially confirmed its entry into the crowded smartphone market in the US, announcing that it will launch a device this year based on Android software and using AT&T’s wireless network.
AT&T announced recently that it will carry the new Dell handset, the Mini 3, but did not reveal pricing or actual launch date.
The announcement follows similar deals the Dell has struck with mobile carriers in China and Brazil.
AT&T said that it will launch five new and exclusive devices from Dell, HTC and Motorola based on the Android platform. According to the carrier, the devices are all scheduled to be available during the first half of 2010.
The move into the US smartphone market is a significant step for the PC giant and follows a three-year transformation attempt, which has involved corporate reorganizations and negotiations with hardware makers, software developers and cellular carriers.
Dell also confirmed that the Mini 3 will be the first in a series of mobile devices to be launched in coming years.
Late last year Dell confirmed that it taking on the mobile sector creating a new communications division that will develop portable devices. The group’s focus will cover handsets to portable computers with embedded wireless chips.
The new mobile division is headed by Dell’s current consumer division head Ron Garriques, formerly a Motorola executive.
Dell has struggled in the PC market and has been looking at ways of diversifying its business. During its most recent quarter it suffered a 54% drop in profit with a 15% revenue decline.