Samsung partners Tata Docomo for Android handset

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Korean mobile handset maker Samsung today said it has partnered with Tata Teleservices' GSM brand,Tata DOCOMO, for launching its first Google-powered Android handset 'Galaxy' in India.     

Samsung, which plans to launch more Android handsets in India later this year, would make the phone available at Rs 28,990.     

"This is first of the block. There would be more this year. Android is a very serious operating system on which we will build more phones," Samsung India Electronics General Manager (Marketing) Asim Warsi told reporters here.     

He, however, declined to divulge further details.     

Android is an open-source operating system for mobiles and wireless devices, initially developed by Google, which allows developers to design applications independent of the handset type.     

Under the exclusive tie-up, Samsung and Tata DOCOMO would launch the touch-screen handset and provide 500 MB free download per month for a period of six months in the circles where the telco is operating.     

Tata DOCOMO has launched its services across eight telecom circles in the country and plans to roll out its services pan-India soon.

"The launch of Samsung Android is a part of our endeavour to provide subscribers a world-class product that lets them experience the vast range of applications of the Android Market. We will continue working together (with Samsung) to launch more innovative mobile offerings for the Indian consumers," Tata DOCOMO President Deepak Gulati said.

Samsung Galaxy (I7500) is a touch-screen handset with a 3.2-inch full touch-screen and is equipped with Google services like GMail, GTalk, Youtube, Google Search and Google Maps.     

Users can also download applications from the 'Android Market', which is available on the handset.