Dell said to be developing Android handset

PC and server vendor Dell is reportedly looking to enter the handset market.

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, the handset would be roughly the size of Apple's iPod Touch and would run on Google's Android operating system.

The device would not carry mobile phone components, but function as a handheld internet device, the report claimed.

The report also suggested that the Dell handset could hit the market later this year, though the decision to release the product has not yet been confirmed.

Dell has long been said to be working on development of various handheld devices.

Last year the company was rumoured to be working on a portable media player last year and in early 2009 reports surfaced that a smartphone device was in the works.

If Dell does in fact release a handset, the company would add its name to the growing list of companies jockeying for position in the market for internet-capable handsets and smartphones.

Among those who have recently released new handsets are Apple, Palm and T-Mobile. Google also said that it expects the market for Android devices to balloon in the coming months.