An interesting report claims that mobile phone maker High Tech Computer (HTC) has an Android phone in the works that is nearing production phase and will hit the market late this year. The smartphone is allegedly named "Dream," InfoWorld reports.

However, their source also says that Samsung is not far behind and the two companies are competing against each other to rush to the market the world's first Android phone.

The report makes sense, as HTC was also the first company which admitted they are designing an Android phone.

The Android platform was officially launched last year, on November 5, as a result of a collaboration between Google and HTC, Intel, Motorola, T-Mobile, nVIDIA and Qualcomm, with one sole purpose: to develop open standards for mobile devices. Google is working on boosting the quality of Web browsing, enhancing the audio and video experience for mobile phones.

Rather crude prototypes were unveiled in mid-February at the GSMA Mobile World Conference in Barcelona. They were in great contrast with fully-designed gems like the latest Nokia phones. Google has lined up about 30 phone, chip and software companies to help develop Android-based devices.

The Linux-based, Google-backed Android has opened up broad flexibility and ease of development for handset makers, and it is certain that the consumers will eventually benefit greatly from the new features and the efficiency of the hardware use by the upcoming Android handsets.