A new platform that supports Android has been developed by ST-Ericsson. The new platform called U6715 will offer mobile phone developers the opportunity to produce smartphones for less than 100 Euros whilst maintaining the power of Android and the ability to customize the handsets.

ST-Ericsson says that manufacturers will commence releasing smartphones based on the U6715 around mid 2010. Customers these days want cheaper smartphones which can be customized with downloadable apps. ST-Ericsson says that the U6715 platform has been designed to enable the smartphone to break out of its current high-end niche and become a true mass-market product in 2010."

Designed to run Linux-based operating systems, such as Android, the U6715 platform can support all the essentials of the smartphone experience, enabling consumers to enjoy navigation, web browsing, video streaming, email, WiFi, a five megapixel camera, a touch screen and much, much more.

The U6715 also includes an HSPA modem capable of delivering downlink speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps. Equipped with a 1000mA battery, smartphones based on the platform can play music for up to 40 hours and provide a talk time of up to 7 hours on a 3G network on one battery charge, or even remain on standby for up to 25 days.