Android to launch at iPhone price

 

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By Reuters

Posted on 18 Sep 2008 at 09:10

The first mobile phone to use Google's Android mobile operating software will cost $199, reports claim.

The phone, which features a slide-out keypad, is being manufactured by HTC and will be sold by T-Mobile's USA unit, which plans to unveil the device at an event in New York on 23 September.

AT&T, the only US operator selling the iPhone, set the price of the latest version at $199 in July, establishing a benchmark for smartphones that can surf the web, manage email and other multimedia features.

The Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, says T-Mobile USA plans to release new data service plans in conjunction with the Google phone that will be "aggressively priced."

Google, HTC and T-Mobile USA declined comment on the pricing for the phone.