HTC will launch at least three Google phones this year

High Tech Computer (HTC) will ship "at least" three smartphones this year that use Google's Android software, HTC's CEO said on Tuesday.

HTC, already the largest maker of smartphones that use the Windows Mobile OS, was first to the market with an Android-based smartphone last year, when it teamed up with Google and T-Mobile to launch the G1 in the US.

The Taiwanese handset maker last month announced its second Google phone, the HTC Magic, or G2 as some are calling it. The handset is being sold first in Europe by Vodafone.

HTC will sell at least two more Google phones this year.

At the sidelines of a Merrill Lynch technology conference in Taipei, HTC CEO Peter Chou was asked whether or not a report saying HTC will market five Android-based handsets this year was true.

HTC will launch "at least" three, he replied, declining further comment on the matter.

HTC gained a march on smartphone rivals in using Google's Android software by working with the popular US company for three years on the software and compatible smartphones before launching the G1 last September.

The G1 is also marketed under the name HTC Dream.

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