Asus using Eee PC smarts to build low-cost Android smartphone

Rumors have been flying lately about Asus’s plans to build a low cost Eee smartphone and it looks like confirmation has been received. The head of the company reported to the New York Times that the new Eee phone will be an integral part of controlling other Asus products, including the exciting launch of their future high definition television/PC monitors prototype that was displayed at this year’s CES.

Other rumors include the possibility that this new smartphone will run Android, an industry favorite right now. Android can keep the cost of the phone down since it does not charge licensing fees. With the inclusion of this phone, it will enhance the Asus cell phone lineup, which up until now has mostly included Windows Mobile smartphones in Asian markets. When this phone will be released and the exact price is still a mystery, but guesses are that it will be out within the first half of 2009.