It looks like 2009 could be an interesting year for Android following the announcement by the Open Handset Alliance that it has 14 new members.
Topping the list of newcomers most likely to offer a handset to rival Google’s HTC-built G1 is Sony Ericsson.
The list also includes ASUS and navigation systems manufacturer Garmin.
ASUS has already announced its intention to build a Google smartphone and there has been much speculation about Garmin’s efforts to produce a phone.
Sony Ericsson has so far used the Windows Mobile – most notably for its recent Xperia handset – and Symbian platforms.
Now it is promising "consumer focused multimedia handsets" that draw on the successes of the Walkman and Cyber-shot sub-brands.
Based on that its likely that Android-based Walkman and Cyber-shot handsets are in the offing.
The Alliance said that 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.
The full list of new members is: AKM Semiconductor Inc., ARM, ASUS, Atheros Communications, Borqs, Ericsson, Garmin, Huawei Technologies, Omron Software, Softbank Mobile Corporation, Sony Ericsson, Teleca AB, Toshiba and Vodafone.
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