Poker News

An Android poker app is to be released within weeks by the Microgaming Poker Network.

The real money poker app for Android smartphones will be compatible with Android v2.2 devices, including the HTC Desire Smartphone and Samsung Galaxy tablet.

News of its release comes just days after bwin launched the first real money poker app on the iPhone.

Lydia Melton, Head of Poker at Microgaming, which powers major sites inluding Purple Lounge, said: "For years now, industry experts have speculated on the mobile market’s possibilities for gaming, and every year has proven disappointing in terms of customer uptake and variety of software, particularly for poker.

"That is about to change.

"The technology is ready, the software is ready, and we believe the players are ready as well.

"The future is here. We are extremely excited about this release.”

The new Android app will be unveiled at this year’s ICE Totally Gaming conference at London's Earl’s Court next week - and available for Microgaming's B2B partners within weeks.

Sales of the Android overtook those of the iPhone for the first time in the US last year, a trend which is expected to be repeated in Europe.

Microgaming’s mobile poker offering will join the download, 3D and Flash poker platforms, each of which is available to Microgaming operators.

The mobile poker is modelled upon the Flash platform, Fast Track, which was designed for beginner players and features a streamlined table selection process.

The launch comes just months after it was revealed owners of Android smartphones will be able play poker for real money after a tie-up between Google and Full Tilt Poker.

The search engine, which owns the Android mobile platform, has struck a deal with Full Tilt to enable players to use their existing poker accounts on devices running Android 2.2.

Switch Poker has also launched a real money flash poker client which can be used on mobile devices without the need to install software.