Tech Rumor of the Day: Motorola Android Headed to Verizon

Motorola (MOT Quote) needs Google's (GOOG Quote) Android to succeed if it wants a chance at a new life. It also needs a major telco partner that can sell the device to millions of people.

Those stars seem to be aligning.

Motorola will deliver an Android-powered touchscreen smartphone with a Qwerty keyboard to Verizon (VZ Quote) in the fourth quarter, says a company source close to the plan who requested anonymity.

It hasn't been any secret that Motorola tossed out its Microsoft (MSFT Quote) Windows Mobile plans this year in favor of Google's Android operating system. It was a bold bet on an iffy software, but Cupcake, the new version of the Android system, has been a pleasant surprise.

After nearly 24 hours of trials in TheStreet labs with T-Mobile's new Android Cupcake powered MyTouch phone from HTC, it is starting to look like Google's Web-friendly phone software works pretty well.

Android Cupcake may be Motorola' sweet treat.

If Android's Cupcake continues to prove itself, it would be a welcome development for Motorola, which also has Android devices headed to Deutsche Telekom's (DT Quote) T-Mobile this year.

New Google Phone: myTouch 3G Unveiled

Verizon could always use an attractive new phone to add a little zing to its lineup. AT&T's (T Quote) success with the Apple (AAPL Quote) iPhone has been a huge growth driver for both companies.

This is all bad news for Microsoft (MSFT Quote) and Nokia (NOK Quote), which have been slow to adapt mobile phone operating systems to the new touchscreen poke-and-swipe interface.