AT&T brings iPhone rivals into the fold

AT&T, which has its Midwest headquarters in Hoffman Estates, said today that it will launch five more devices using the Google Android platform from Schaumburg-based Motorola Inc., Dell and HTC.

The company also said it will expand its availability of apps for devices besides smartphones and encourage future app development for consumer electronics devices, AT&T's U-verse TV platform, and enterprise and small business workplaces.

AT&T made the announcement in Las Vegas during the Consumer Electronics Show.

"Applications help consumers realize the full value and benefits of mobile broadband networks, services and devices," Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets said in a statement. "... Our goal is to bring more apps to millions more of our customers who want convenient access to the market's hottest apps. At the same time, in the future, we plan to go well beyond mobile devices to spur apps development."