Following on from yesterday's announcement that Chinese search giant Baidu has developed its own Android-based mobile OS called Yi, comes further news that it's partnering with Dell over the hardware.

According to Reuters, Dell will be making smartphones and tablets for the Chinese market as part of the deal.

Hook ups

Dell already makes a small number of smartphones based on Android and Windows Phone OS, as well as its Streak series of 5 (since discontinued in the US) and 7-inch Android tablets.

It's also launched a 10-inch Android tablet in China during the summer.

It's expected devices could be available as early as November.

"All PC brands are trying to differentiate themselves from each other in the mobile space, and Dell's tie-up with Baidu may give it first-mover advantage in the China market," Hanna Chang, an analyst with SinoPac Securities in Taipei, told Reuters.

[source: Reuters]