Dell confirms Android-based Mini 3i smartphone

Dell's Mini 3i Android-based smartphone. Following previous reports that Dell's Mini 3i smartphone was merely a proof of concept, the computer giant has now confirmed that it's planning on releasing the device. Dell says that it's Android-based phone will feature a 3.5 inch capacitive touch screen display and that it will be launching this year in Brazil and China. Additional specifications have yet to be released, but, according to reports, the mobile will be available in 2G and 3G models.

The Mini 3i will be launching on China Mobile in late November, but will not include Wi-Fi due to an earlier government ban on the wireless networking technology. The China bound model will also include a capacitive stylus for the screen, likely intended to be used for entering Chinese characters. Claro, Brazil's largest mobile carrier, will release the Mini 3i by the end of the year and will be the first carrier in the world to offer a 3G version.

In its press release, Dell also mentions its agreements with AT&T and Verizon in the U.S. and with Vodafone in Europe, but has not confirmed if a version of the handset will be coming to other countries. Additional images of the phone are available on the company's Flickr page.

Dell isn't the first computer manufacturer to launch an Android-based smartphone. At the end of October, Acer announced its own mobile phone as part of its Liquid series.

See also:

• Dell confirms entrance into smart phones, press release from Dell.

(crve)