High Tech Computer (HTC), a well-known maker of smartphones, reportedly plans to release its first phone powered by Google’s Android operating system sometime in late 2008. The information may mean that other makers of handsets will unveil their Android-based products even later.

HTC “Dream” smartphone based on Google Android operating system will have a large touch-sensitive screen as well QWERTY keyboard. The device is reportedly 5” long and 3” wide. Unfortunately, no more information about the HTC “Dream” is available: its battery time is not certain and it is also unclear whether the device can be used as portable digital media player. The company officially remained tight-lipped on the handset.

“We cannot comment on this product,” said Maggie Cheng, an HTC representative, in an interview with IDG News Service. 

Pricing of HTC’s “Dream” is also not known presently.

Google, T-Mobile, HTC, Qualcomm, Motorola and others have collaborated on the development of Android through the Open Handset Alliance, a multinational alliance of technology and mobile industry leaders. In total, the new alliance is supported by 34 companies.

The search giant describes its Android platform as a fully integrated mobile “software stack” that consists of an operating system, middleware, user-friendly interface and applications. Google did not unveil actual functionality of its Android operating system for mobile devices, but it is logical to expect the new OS to integrate functionality that Google currently offers with its GTalk, GMail, Google Earth, Google Video and other services.