The Open Handset Alliance, which is headed by Google and which develops Android handset platform, on Wednesday announced that fourteen additional companies have joined the association with the aim to assist in further development of the Android, build new devices powered by the operating system or enable infrastructure. By joining the alliance, many new members directly or indirectly confirm launches of Android-based handsets.

The new members of the Open Handset Alliance are: AKM Semiconductor, ARM, Asustek Computer, Atheros Communications, Borqs, Ericsson, Garmin International, Huawei Technologies, Omron Software, Softbank Mobile Corp., Sony Ericsson, Teleca AB, Toshiba Corp. and Vodafone.

“Sony Ericsson is excited to announce its membership of the Open Handset Alliance and confirm its intention to develop a handset based on the Android platform We believe Sony Ericsson can bring a wealth of experience in making consumer focused multimedia handsets with new user experience to the Alliance drawing on the successes of the Walkman and Cyber-shot sub-brands,” said Rikko Sakaguchi, corporate vice president and head of creation and development at Sony Ericsson.

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. With these commitments, the Open Handset Alliance will continue to drive greater and faster innovation for the benefit of mobile users and everyone in the industry.

“Asus is a leading handset manufacturer that will soon deliver high quality, innovative Android devices and technology for world class carriers and consumers,” said HC Hung, general manager of personal mobile devices business unit at Asustek Computer.

Open Handset Alliance members’ continued contributions to Android promises to give everyone in the mobile ecosystem a free and complete mobile platform to build Android devices. The new members are expected to add to the momentum of Android device availability, providing developers with a greater opportunity to deploy compelling applications that will reach a global audience. As a result, consumers around the world should benefit from a better mobile experience that features less expensive devices, more compelling services, rich Internet applications, and easier-to-use interfaces.

“Joining the Open Handset Alliance today is a logical step in our mobile internet journey. Working with emerging terminal platforms for smartphones is critical for us to deliver unbeatable customer experiences and accelerate time to market for innovative products and services,” claimed Frank H Rovekamp, global chief marketing officer at Vodafone Group.

Tags: Google, Android, AKM Semiconductor, ASUS, Atheros, Borqs, Ericsson, Garmin, Huawei, Omron, Softbank Mobile, Sony Ericsson, Teleca AB, Toshiba, Vodafone