Dell releases $99 Android smartphone

The Dell Aero features QuickOffice software

Dell has released its $99 Aero smartphone in the US through telecoms firm AT &T, in what is the company's first foray into the Android handset market.

Users can choose between the $99 price with a two-year service contract or $299 without a contract.

Dell said that the handset is based on the Android 1.5 operating system and is bundled with additional software including QuickOffice and Adobe's Flash Lite component.

"The Dell Aero is built with a focus on style and performance to help people find new ways to connect with friends and express themselves socially, supported by the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network," said Dell communications solutions president Ron Garriques.

The Aero sports a 5-megapixel camera and a 3.5in touch-screen display. The handset includes 2GB of built-in storage along with a Micro SD slot that supports up to 32GB of space.

Analysts have pointed to Dell's current lack of big-name offerings in emerging markets, such as smartphones and tablets, as an area of concern for the company in the long term.

The company has begun to enter those markets, however. Along with the launch of the Aero, the company recently launched the Streak tablet in both the US and UK markets.

Dell did not disclose any plans for a UK release of the Aero when contacted by V3.co.uk.