Android Ice Cream handsets coming as early as October

A source close to Google has revealed that the search giant will be releasing its first Android Ice Cream Sandwich devices in October

A source close to Google has revealed that we can expect to see the first Android Ice Cream Sandwich handset in October – i.e. iPhone 5 release date time.

The news comes via BGR, which claims that ‘Google is looking to push up the release of Ice Cream Sandwich devices as Apple’s iPhone 5 is expected in September or October, and the Mountain View-based company doesn’t want potential customers coming out of contracts (especially original DROID owners) and “drooling over the iPhone 5.’

The first Ice Cream Sandwich-powered device is expected to be Google’s Nexus Prime. At present nothing has been officially confirmed by Google. But we’ve heard rumours of a Super AMOLED HD (720p) display and an OMAP4460 processor.

Both LG and Samsung are in contention for OEM duties, so we’re expecting some pretty impressive hardware and design work.

To date, Google’s Nexus-line of handsets have steadily grown in terms of usability, design and functionality. In our eyes, the Nexus S is one of the finest Android devices on the planet – bar none.

So when we heard about the Nexus Prime, which should pick up where the Nexus S left off, we were very excited. Google has confirmed that it is coming but neglected to name any of the specification.

Early indications suggested that Google would unleash Android Ice Cream Sandwich and its next Nexus handset in Q4 of 2011. Within this context, an October release date certainly makes sense.

Looks like Apple now has some official competition.