This week the open handset alliance announced 14 new members : 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. From the press release :

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.

In 2008 we had the first Android-based device which is the G1 from HTC, but a highest number of Android devices will be registered certainly in 2009 with  the new members Asus, Garmin, Sony Ericsson, Toshiba, in addition to the previous Handset Manufacturers Members such as HTC, Samsung, and others.

Probably the first Android handset coming in 2009 is the KOGAN AGORA, the aussie Android-based smartphone which will be available in two edition the first $299 (high-speed 3G, 2.5″ touchscreen, web browsing), and the second $399 (extra : wi-fi, GPS, 2.0MP camera).

In 2009 also at OHM you will read more coverage on Android-based handsets, interviews with many members of the OHA, in addition to Android software providers. So what do you think, will 2009 be the year of Android ?

This Thursday, Reuters had a news about ARM to demonstrate a prototype of Google Android mobile phone platform in action during the Mobile World Congress 2008 this monday in Barcelona. ARM, the British chip designer, got 7 billion from 10 billion chips shipped into mobile devices.

ARM will be showing advanced technology enabling the “Full Web in Your Pocket” experience, including the latest ARM® Cortex™ family of processors; the ARM Mali™ graphics stack; and the newest RealView® development tools. ARM technology is powering over 90 percent of the handsets on display at Mobile World Congress 2008, including graphics-rich, large-format, low-power Mobile Internet Devices.

We got the confirmation from ARM, if there will be really an Android phone to be shown Monday :

“ARM will have a demonstration of an ARM Powered prototype of the Android platform from the Open Handset Alliance.” an ARM spokesperson told Open Handset Magazine.

Currently there is no image or photo to show, but visitors of the Mobile World Congress 2008 will have the chance to see the first Android-based mobile phone powered by ARM. We will keep you updated as soon as we get more information.