LONDON, UK: Mobile phone operator Orange said on Wednesday it would launch its first handset in Britain using Google's Android operating software, with the HTC Hero.

Orange, the brand of France Telecom Group, said the HTC Hero phone from Taiwan's HTC Corp would be available from early July from all its retail channels.

The Android system allows users to access thousands of tools and applications which can be downloaded straight to the handset and have proved popular with consumers.

"We're really pleased to be launching our first Android handset in conjunction with HTC ... The first of several Android devices you can expect from us this year," said Francois Mahieu, Director of Devices, Orange UK.