HTC and Vodafone have confirmed that the next-generation Android phone will be coming to Europe as soon as spring, although only in several countries at first. UK, Spain, Germany and France (SFR) consumers will get it first, but availability is expected to be extended in other countries as well. In Italy, the Android-phone will be available on a non-exclusive basis, Vodafone said.

 

The second-generation Android phone, dubbed HTC Magic, is obviously an upgrade in terms of design, compared to the G1. It’s more compact, comes with a touch-screen display, navigational buttons for quick access. Unfortunately, the phone loses one element that I personally loved in the first Android phone: the physical keyboard.

 

But, on the other hand, this is just one of the many Android phones expected to launch this year, so customers should have access to a wide variety of designs, hopefully able to satisfy all tastes.

 

Patrick Chomet, Global Director of Terminals at Vodafone, said in a statement they are excited to introduce their first Android-powered phone, after joining the Open Headset Alliance.

 

HTC President and CEO Peter Chou said HTC Magic embodies the compact style and sophistication for which HTC has come to be known, with the powerful and intuitive internet experience for which the Android platform was designed.

 

Vodafone said the smartphone will become available on various price plans, and that it will extend the reach of the Android phones in other countries as well, in the months following the launch.