The Essential phone, designed to take on the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy, has gone into full production, according to its creator. Android inventor Andy Rubin took to Twitter to make the announcement, fuelling speculation about when it might be ready for release. New pictures appear to show the assembly lines, where the titanium body of the handset is being milled. An announcement on where and when fans can buy the firm's first model, the PH-1, is expected next week. A new handset designed to take on the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy has gone into full production, according to its creator. Startup firm Essential says it has raised raised over $300 million (£231 million) in new funding and signed up retailers to sell its first device.

A new handset designed to take on the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy could be launched in the UK before 2017 is out. Essential, founded by Android inventor Andy Rubin, hopes to take on the industry leaders and has secured £230 million ($300 million) to make it happen. The technology firm has held talks with major network operators to secure a launch date for the minimalist mobile in the UK, Japan and western Europe. Customers in the US who pre-ordered the handset, however, are still waiting for theirs to arrive and there have been rumours of trouble at the startup. A new handset designed to take on the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy could be launched in a number of major markets before 2017 is out. Dubbed the'Essential Phone PH-1', the phone is based on the Android operating system and will be shipped without any apps A new handset designed to take on the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy could be launched in a number of major markets before 2017 is out.

The founder of Android, Andy Rubin, has unveiled his new Android smartphone. It also boasts Qualcomm's high-end Snapdragon 835 processor and what Rubin claims is'one of the world's best phone cameras.' The phone is made out of titanium, instead of aluminium, to help it survive accidental drops. It also features a ceramic back. It is modular and can be fitted with a 360-degree camera accessory.