The Wednesday proceedings at the CTIA Enterprise & Applications conference in San Francisco witnessed the unveiling of the yet another low-priced Android handset - the LG Optimus S handset introduced by Sprint Nextel.

The key features of Optimus S, which was one of the three low-priced Android phones introduced by Sprint on Wednesday, include a 3.2-inch touchscreen; a 3.2-megapixel camera; and the Mobile Hotspot that can connect five Wi-Fi devices to the Internet via its 3G connection.

The Optimus S has been priced at $49.99, after a $100 rebate, with a two-year Sprint contract; and it will hit the stores on October 31.

The Optimus S handset, like the other two handsets - Samsung Transform and Sanyo Zio -, will also come with Sprint ID, a new built-in system that allows users to pick a themed interface for their phone. The ID pack makes selected applications and content available right on the handset’s home screen.

Noting that the low-end Android-handset makers are pushing the costs too low, NPD Group analyst Eddie Hold has voiced apprehensions that such devices may fragment the market.

Noting that the users of low-end handsets will be confused because they will not get the same experience or be able to run all the apps that are made for the high-end Android smartphones, Hold said: “You're going to end up with a very complicated Android portfolio. Apple has largely beaten that problem by offering only the iPhone.”