HTC--the manufacturer responsible for T-Mobile USA's G1 [1], the first commercial handset powered by Google's Android mobile operating system--is reportedly poised to launch its second Android smartphone, although this time the touchscreen device will also incorporate Linux-based software developed by HTC itself. Citing a senior executive at Australian operator Telstra, Smarthouse reports the forthcoming handset will boast a larger screen than previous HTC products. Details on the Android phone are otherwise scarce, although Telstra execs who compared the device with Palm's long-awaited Pre smartphone claim the HTC model is "better and more functional," adding "We have seen both and we believe that the new HTC phone will be a real competitor to the iPhone and the Pre which at this stage looks nice but is still not delivered to market."

For more on HTC's next Android device:
- read this Smarthouse article [2]