Sony Ericsson, HTC planning Google Android phones for 2009
On Tuesday, 14 new members joined Google's Open Handset Alliance, showing their support and furthering the development of the Google Android mobile operating system. Among the fresh additions is Sony Ericsson, and it looks like the company isn't wasting any time and has hit the ground running.
According to several sources, Sony Ericsson is planning on releasing an Android handset by summer 2009 and a company spokesman has gone on to say that the first models will be on the higher end while it will release more mass-market devices at a later time. In addition, HTC is said to be working on a whole portfolio of Android devices, also with an expected release date of summer 2009. HTC was the manufacturer of the first Android smartphone, the T-Mobile G1, which was a little questionable in the hardware department, but now that HTC has acquired One & Co Design Inc., for its handset designs, perhaps we'll see some sleeker devices? Either way, all very exciting stuff. Summer can't get here quick enough.
(Via: Gizmodo, Phandroid, IDG.se (translation), and Business dk (translation))
Bonnie Cha is a senior editor for CNET, covering smartphones and GPS. When she's not testing the latest gadgets, you can find her chasing after her crazy lab or surfing in the chilly waters of Northern California. E-mail Bonnie. 
A Sony/Ericsson Android Smartphone would be ideal, but maybe too much to hope for.
Whatever Verizon/Android product gets released next year, I'll be on it.
(As long as it performs better than the Storm, that is.)
G1 has already sold over 2 million ! Android will make the iPhone irrelevant and laughingly expensive compared to Android devices.
Apple sold 2.3 iphones in one quarter. Its expected to sell 45 million of them worldwide by the end of 09 (estimate on current sales and trends).
I am not saying that Android will not take a bite, because so far I like the OS it just needs better handsets, but come on dont be a mindless hater like everyone else and get your facts straight before you write.
if u think about it, its just a fad
I just want to ask you really how did you get from 2.3 millions in 1 quarter, to 45 millions by the end of 09? I mean how can you get such a number (let alone toot it on the net, and use it as the absolute criteria by which you buy and recommend stuff)? Tampons are sold in millions, as are double dildos. Do you buy and recommend to everybody THOSE products just because of that?
[CNET editors' note: Offensive remark edited out.]
I am just replying to a thread I never said once in my reply that sales made the Apple better, if you would have read what i said I extolled the vitrues of Android as well.
Secondly it was Fortune who predicted 45mill worldwide (not us) by end of 2009. Again it was not to say it is good or bad but the original poster seemed to have his numbers completely wrong.
Ummm.... Bonnie, you realize that HTC already created the Max 4G and the Touch HD.... I don't think they ever struggled with design. You have to keep in mind that the initial design for the G1 was conceptualized well over two years ago. So it makes sense that the look is outdated. But, like I said, their newer designs have shown no lack of competence.
What you find in the iPhone is a nascent appeal. I think if you favor modern design the iPhone appeals to you. Is it perfect? No, but I think between Android and the iPhone OS, the iPhone has greater potential to fulfill more peoples' needs.
www.kogan.com.au
- by stockyjoe January 2, 2009 5:56 AM PST
- I'll be the first to harp on Apple for some of the over zealous hype on their products. But, I must say the Iphone concept and UI is very well done. I have played with Android G1 and its got a ways to go before I see it as a credible contender to the Iphone GUI and how intuitive it is to use. I know Android is open source and many apps will be available but in its current state it will not appeal to the average "non techy" user as much as the Iphone UI.
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- by stockyjoe January 2, 2009 5:58 AM PST
- By the way, Android somewhat suffers from Googles typical minmilist attitude toward look and graphics. It was fine for Google search to look like something designed by an Amateur in Paint, but that type of attitude may not be a succesful formula for their other products such as android.
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