In what can only be construed as an attempt to cast Android as the "Rhoda" of smartphone os's, leaked documents uncovered by Engadget reveal that AT&T plans to feature it on the upcoming HTC "Lancaster" in Q3 '09. Those who thought hell would freeze over before AT&T released an Android phone in competition with the iPhone need not break out their parkas just yet. For while this sharply-designed set features a slide-out full qwerty keyboard, a-GPS, Bluetooth 2.0, and EDGE / HSPA connectivity, they've opted to market it as a "Social Messaging Device", not a smartphone, by leaving out Wi-Fi and burdening it with a puny 2.8" 320x240 display.Sure, HTC's custom messaging UI is likely to be top-notch, and the world really needs a slimmer, sleeker qwerty Android phone than the G1, but really, AT&T? QVGA? In 2009? And what's a Wi-Fi chip cost these days, like $2? Head on over to Engadget for all the totally depressing details, or mope on over to your local AT&T retailer around August 3rd.
