The Android-powered smartphone market is set to get much more crowded over the coming months. Google expects at least 18 new Android handsets to hit the market this year along and the number could go as high as 20 new handsets.

When Google made that announcement, it was mum on the manufacturers bringing the devices to market. It looks as one of them is HTC. DigiTimes reports that HTC will be holding an event on June 24 to launch the new HTC Hero smartphone powered by Android.

In fact, our own Chris Davies will be attending the launch event. The event will be held in London. The Hero itself is going to come in two versions with the difference being the inclusion of a QWERTY keyboard. The version without the keyboard is the HTC Memphis or Lancaster and will be an AT&T U.S. exclusive for its first six months.

[via DigiTimes]