Orange prepares to jump on Android bandwagon

Company to carry HTC Hero smartphone

The HTC Hero runs Google's Android operating system

Orange is gearing up for the launch of its first Android handset. The operator has begun accepting web orders for the HTC Hero, the third handset from the Taiwanese vendor to sport Google's mobile operating system.

The Hero sports a 3.5in multi-touch screen, 5-megapixel camera and MicroSD storage. The Android software will be enhanced by the new Sense utility, which allows greater customisation of the device.

Orange will offer the handset free on a 24-month contract which starts at £34.25 per month.

Android has been among the big stories in the mobile market this summer, and Google has forecast that dozens of new Android devices will be released in the coming months.

Orange is also linked to rumours regarding another high-profile smartphone. The company is said to be among a number of operators in talks with Apple to carry the iPhone in the UK.