Google's bid to dominate the mobile phone operating software market got a boost on Tuesday when Taiwanese handset maker HTC unveiled the third phone based on the Internet giant's technology.

The new HTC Magic smartphone will be available in the spring to Vodafone customers initially in UK, Spain, Germany and France (SFR) and non-exclusively in Italy.

The introduction of the HTC Magic is the result of a relationship between Vodafone and HTC, and Vodafone's joining, late last year, of the Open Handset Alliance.

Available for free on various price plans, the HTC Magic has a 3.2" HVGA touch screen display and features a trackball and navigational buttons for quick access. The HTC Magic includes a variety of email options such as Google Mail, POP3 and IMAP as well as Google Talk for instant messaging.

The HTC Magic has a variety of mobile internet capabilities beginning with an Android-optimised Webkit browser. It also features the popular Google applications, Google Maps and Google Search as well as favourites like YouTube. In addition, Android Market allows for downloading of games and applications utilising Vodafone?s network.