Dell is working on a MID based on Google's Android platform, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. The tidbit is the latest in a series of rumors and speculation twisting around Dell's possible mobile efforts.
According to the Journal report, which cited multiple, unnamed sources, early prototypes of the device are slightly larger than Apple's iPod touch. One source said the company could begin selling the device later this year, though cautioned the plan could be delayed or cancelled.
The mobile Internet device (MID) may use ARM chips, according to the report; currently Dell does not make any devices that use ARM-based chips. Dell has considered selling the product through wireless carriers, though it is unclear where those discussions stand. The company is also developing Android smartphones, the report said.
In May, Dell said it had no plans to make an Android netbook, and said a release from software solutions provider Bsquare that hinted at "Dell netbooks running Google's Android platform" was issued in error. In March, Kaufman Bros. analyst Shaw Wu said that Dell had shopped smartphone prototypes running on Android and Windows Mobile to wireless carriers, and that the prototypes had been panned.
A Dell spokesman declined to comment on the Journal report, and told FierceWireless that as standard practice the company does not comment on rumors or speculation.
For more:
- see this WSJ article (sub. req.)
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