Google Unlocks G1, Adds Vodafone as Android Supporter

Move over smartphone launch news. Google Inc. put Android, its mobile OS platform, back in the handset spotlight today by announcing 14 new members for the Open Handset Alliance, which is dedicated to all things Android. The new additions include No. 1 worldwide operator Vodafone plc. Vodafone also happens to be the co-parent of Verizon Wireless.

Google counts Sprint-Nextel Corp. and the Google G1-wielding T-Mobile USA as members of the OHA already, while Verizon Wireless and AT&T Inc. have yet to join the party. However, AT&T has told xchange in the past that an Android-based device might be something to take a look at should there be sufficient customer demand, and Verizon Wireless has said it could certify Android devices on its network once it opens it up to third-party devices.

Google also added AKM Semiconductor, ARM, ASUSTek Computer, Atheros Communications, Borqs, Ericsson, Garmin International, Huawei Technologies, Omron Software, Softbank Mobile, Sony Ericsson, Teleca and Toshiba to the OHA.

No word on whether Vodafone, Sprint or anyone else will be launching an Android handset anytime soon. So far there is only one commercial Android device, the aforementioned T-Mobile G1. But Google is sweetening things for developers by providing them with unlocked T-Mobile G1s — an iteration called the Android DevPhone 1. It runs $399 plus a setup fee of $25, with a limit of one per developer. The upside? It can be used and tested on any GSM network.

Share this article: Email, Slashdot, Digg, Del.icio.us, Yahoo!MyWeb, Windows Live Favorites, Furl
Add this article feed to: RSS, My Yahoo, Newsgator, Bloglines

Read Comments [1]