A new mobile phone is on its way to the Canadian market, set to offer users in the country the possibility to try out Google's Android operating system in a rugged design, namely the Motorola i1.

The handset was announced officially several months ago, and it already arrived on the market in the United States and in Latin America, but it seems that Motorola is determined to deliver it to more countries in the near future.

The Motorola i1 is the first Android-based device that packs support for iDEN networks, and is expected to be released on the Canadian market on TELUS’ Mike Network and on Airtel Wireless' airwaves.

A recent article on mobilesyrup notes that Motorola's i1handset might be released at the two carriers in a matter of weeks, and that it should sport a price tag of $399.99 when purchased free of contract.

However, nothing has been confirmed for the time being on the phone's arrival in Canada, and specific details on its pricing are also missing, it seems.

As foe what the device should offer when launched on the market, we can count support for iDEN 800 / 900 MHz connectivity, the Android 1.5 platform, Push-To-Talk (walkie-talkie) capabilities, and a 3.1-inch HVGA (320 x 480 pixels) touchscreen display.

On the connectivity side, we can count Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 802.11 b, g capabilities, as well as Micro USB port, 2.5 mm headset jack, or aGPS (autonomous) features.

The i1 also comes with a 5MP camera, as well as with 260 MB of internal memory, complemented by microSD memory card slot with support for up to 32 GB of additional storage space.

Measuring 58 x 118 x 12.8 mm and weighing in at 100 grams, the new handset packs a 1400 mAh Li Ion battery that can offer up to 308 minutes of talk time or up to 210 hours of talk time.

On top of all these, we should note support for a wide range of Google services, including Google Maps, as well as access to various applications via the Android Market. More info on the handset can be found here.