T-Mobile Soon Launching Second Android PhoneT-Mobile Soon Launching Second Android Phone

T-Mobile is prepping to announce its second Android handset next week, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal that cites unnamed sources.

The fourth-largest U.S. carrier did not confirm the report, but has already said it would have Android-related announcements over the summer. The report said the next Android smartphone will be the HTC Magic, but it will be rebranded as the myTouch 3G. The handset is expected to go on sale this summer.

The smartphone is similar to the T-Mobile G1, except it ditches the full physical keyboard for a stronger touch interface and a software keyboard. The handset is expected to be very similar to the one Google gave away at a conference during an "Oprah moment."

A sleek and slim device, the myTouch 3G is expected to be preloaded with Android 1.5, or Cupcake. This gives it the ability to have an on-screen keyboard, as well as other features like video recording, stereo Bluetooth, a YouTube uploader, and various bug fixes. Like most high-end smartphones, the myTouch 3G will also have Wi-Fi, 3G data connections, and GPS.

The device will be the second major Android phone released, and Google said it expects up to 18 Android handsets to be released by the end of the year. Manufacturers like Samsung, HTC, Motorola, Asus-Garmin, and Sony Ericsson have committed to using the Linux-based operating system for smartphones.

The summer is shaping up to be a big one for blockbuster handsets, and T-Mobile's Android announcement could help it carve out some space in an increasingly crowded market. AT&T is preparing to launch the iPhone 3G S this week, Sprint Nextel recently launched the Palm Pre, and Verizon Wireless is expected to have a sequel to the BlackBerry Storm later this year.

information has published a 360-degree analysis of the first Android-based smartphone. Download the report here (registration required).