More mobile makers join Android

News came in earlier this week that another 14 companies have elected to join the Open Handset Alliance (OHA), a Google-led consortium dedicated to the Android open-sourced mobile operating system. Consisting mostly of manufacturers and a couple of Telcos, some of the new members include ARM, Asustek, Garmin, Huawei Technologies, Sony-Ericsson and Toshiba. Most notable would be the inclusion of Vodafone, with its 280 million customers worldwide.

The official statement is that the "New members will either deploy compatible Android devices, contribute significant code to the Android Open Source Project, or support the ecosystem through products and services that will accelerate the availability of Android-based devices."

Certainly, having the members coming on board does not mean that they have decided to forsake other platforms. Manufacturers like Sony Ericsson or existing member like HTC Corporation will continue making devices based on other platforms. What it does mean is that the sales of the only Android-based phone to date--the T-Mobile G1--must have been exceptional, if not outright phenomenal.  Once dismissed by Microsoft's Steve Ballmer, Android's future is certainly more certain now than ever.

To read more on the article:
- check out this article from the Register
- check out this article from BusinessWeek

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