Android needs boost and favor from major handset manufacturers and seems like things are shaping up well for the “Google” mobile OS. Last week, 14 new members (handset manufacturers, operators and software development companies) joined Open Handset Alliance. Sony Ericsson was one of those fourteen. The company is now planning to launch its “higher end” Android device in the summer of next year. According to company sources, they will also be launching Android phones and devices for mass-market sometimes later. Big boost for Android, isn’t it?

Another big name, HTC is also eyeing an Android phone launch in summer 2009. HTC is ,of course, the manufacturer of first Android phone G1 but some folks had few reservations about the hardware features. So HTC is looking forward to eliminate all the issues in its upcoming Android devices. The company has recently acquired a famous design firm, One & Co Inc. The design firm provides design consultancy services to some big boys like Kodak, Coca Cola, Sony, Adidas etc. So we can expect more sleeker and smooth designs from HTC in its future smart phone devices.