The Open Handset Alliance, the main backer of Google's Android open source platform, has added 14 new members, who are backing Android as an open mobile platform and their commitment to its commercial success (See: Android operating system to power Google's first mobile handset, G1).

The new members are: AKM Semiconductor Inc., ARM, ASUSTek Computer Inc., Atheros Communications, Borqs, Ericsson, Garmin International Inc., Huawei Technologies, Omron Software Co. Ltd, Softbank Mobile Corporation, Sony Ericsson, Teleca AB, Toshiba Corporation and Vodafone.

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. 
 
Until this heavy weights joined in, Android's future looked uncertain. Only a minor handset maker, HTC, was making Android-based phones. T-Mobile was the only carrier globally to offer G1, and only in a few markets, including the U.S.

Motorola's support helped but not that much, as the company is in a fragile financial state, and its own future is unclear.  Vodafone caries weight as the carrier has 280 million customers worldwide. Sony Ericsson's involvement is important as well.

Where is Android heading?
Google started the alliance a year ago when it officially unveiled Android, the open source operating system it created (See: Google showcases mobile operating system Android). The Android software is designed to provide handset makers and wireless operators an open platform on which they can develop new and innovative applications.

The alliance was formed to help support the creation of these applications, resulting in richer features that are less expensive to develop and deploy. Thirty-four companies initially signed on to the alliance. And now the group boasts 47 members.

Each new member of OHA is expected to help contribute code to the Android Open Source Project, make Android devices, and support the Android platform.  It's likely the joining companies patiently waited to see how the G1 phone available on T-Mobile would sell before making the commitment.

Analysts expect the G1 to sell around 500,000 units in 2008, after being released earlier in the fall.  Sony Ericsson plans to release an Android-based phone sometime in mid-2009, with Motorola also planning to make an Android phone in the future.

The phone manufacturers are looking to get away from Microsoft's Windows Mobile and Nokia's Symbian software, with developers preferring cheaper, more open platforms to work with.

The first handset to be deployed using the Android mobile operating system was the G1. The G1 was launched by T-Mobile and the handset was  in late October 2008.  . The market allows for Android owners to download free applications with fee-based applications expected in the first quarter of next year.

Now that the Android operating system is officially an open source product and actually deployed on a handheld other companies seem to be jumping on the Android bandwagon. 14 additional members to the Open Handset Alliance is good news for Google and the viability of Android. It could be a banner year for Android in 2009 as more and more handset manufacturers release models based on the new mobile operating system.