HP mum on new rumor that it will launch an Android smartphone soon

Hewlett-Packard isn't commenting on a rumor that it is preparing to launch an inexpensive Android smartphone for emerging markets.

Such a move, reported by 9to5Google, wouldn't be surprising given the need for one of the world's largest PC makers to pivot into the mobile market. HP tried to do this before with its abortive acquisition of Palm and its WebOS mobile operating system. But we all know how that billion-dollar acquisition ended.

A spokeswoman for HP said, "HP will expand to additional mobility categories and form factors where we believe we can offer differentiated value to our customers. As previously communicated, HP will bring smartphones to market but is not giving a timetable."

The report says that HP is apparently trying again, as early as this week, with a $200 smartphone aimed at markets such as Brazil, Russia, India, and China. Former Nokia Meego executive Alberto Torres, the senior vice president of mobility at HP, is reportedly heading the group.

Meg Whitman, chief executive of HP, has said that HP has to offer a smartphone because it is the computing device of first choice in many parts of the world. But she hasn't said when yet.

HP's engineering team is quite familiar with Android. The company has launched a multi-operating system strategy, with the launch of Windows machines, ChromeOS laptops, and Android laptops. At the 2014 International CES, HP showed off its latest Android-based all-in-one desktop computer aimed at small businesses. The $399 device was able to run all sorts of mobile apps, including an Android clone of Microsoft's Office.