NZ finally gets Android: In June

New Zealanders will finally be able to buy a mobile phone based on Google's Android operating system in June, with Vodafone revealing this morning it had secured a local exclusive to sell HTC's upcoming Magic handset.

The HTC Magic
(Credit: HTC)

Kiwi consumers keen to test out Google's mobile opus have so far been left high and dry, despite other handsets such as the HTC Dream or G1 launching in several other overseas markets, including Australia, where it is offered by Optus. The Magic is HTC's next-generation "G2" device.

Vodafone Australia spokespeople were not able to confirm whether the carrier would follow suit and launch the device down under, although ZDNet.com.au believes the carrier is also planning to shortly announce a similar Australian launch.

So far only Optus offers an Android-based device locally, with Telstra, 3 Mobile and Vodafone staying out of the ring, although both Telstra and Vodafone sell Apple's competing iPhone smartphone.

New Zealand customers will be able to buy the Magic through retail stores and online. The HTC Magic's full specifications can be found here.