Huawei unveils £99 Android 2.2 handset

The Ideos supports over-the-air Android OS upgrades

Huawei has announced a low-cost smartphone, claimed to be the first affordable handset to ship with Android 2.2 ready installed. The firm also released an updated version of its mobile Wi-Fi hotspot device.

Available from mid-October, the Huawei Ideos handset is a compact device with a 2.8in capacitive touch screen that will carry a recommended price of between £99 and £129 on pay-as-you-go tariffs, according to the firm.

The handset, which was co-developed with Google and carries the Google logo, redefines the entry-level concept by combining full-feature performance with high quality hardware and software, Huawei said.

"It's the only device with Google branding and Android 2.2 at a competitive price point, letting users access the latest and greatest version of the OS at low cost," said Nicola Philbin, Huawei director of terminals for UK and Ireland.

The Ideos supports HSPA/3G up to 7.2Mbits/s, 802.11n Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi tethering so the handset can be used as a hotspot.

The device has 256MB of memory plus 512MB Flash ROM, supports SD Cards up to 16GB, and has a 3.2-megapixel camera.

Another key feature is automatic updating of the Android platform, allowing users to upgrade over the air as soon as a new Android release is available, Huawei claimed.

Huawei hinted that it is seeking greater recognition for its brand in Europe, but Tim Watkins, vice president for western Europe, said that the company name is a stumbling block for English speakers, and that the firm instead hopes to establish the Ideos brand for its handsets.

The Ideos name stands for industrial design, evolution and operating system, according to Huawei.

Also launched today is the E5s Pocket Wi-Fi hotspot, which can link up to five Wi-Fi devices to the internet via a 3G connection. This has a new one-touch Wi-Fi activation button, greater range and an improved battery life of up to five hours.

The E5s has a recommend price of £39 to £69 with a pay-as-you-go tariff.