Sony Ericsson planning Android handset for summer 2009

The manufacturer behind the Windows Mobile-based Xperia X1 (not to mention all those Walkman and Cyber-shot phones) says it's jumping on Google's Android bandwagon. Plus: Is Sprint inching closer toward its own Android handset?

As GigaOM reports, 14 new companies—including ARM, AsusTek Computer Inc., Garmin, Toshiba, and Vodafone—are joining Google's Open Handset Alliance. Among the new members: Sony Ericsson, which acknowledged that yes, it will be developing and building its own Android phone. (Asus and Toshiba are apparently teeing up their own Android devices, as well).

The handset that has everyone talking up Sony Ericsson is their Xperia 1 and for all the right reasons. It’s a sleek device with a perfect blend of form factor. Packed with a 3.2MP camera, a 800 x 480 touchscreen, and an optical joystick/4-way key, it had us Android fans hatin’ on Windows Mobile. We’d hoped and speculated that an Android version would come and now it seems more likely than ever that the two might come together.


According to the folks over at the Unofficial Sony Ericsson blog, that very optimistic rumor was false and the real story behind Sony Ericsson’s Android development plan differs greatly. According to USEB, here is what we know about Sony Ericsson and Android:

• The first Android-based handset will be a high-end product.
• The Android platform won’t be exclusive to high-end products, and will also be used in mass-market products in the future.
• Android-based products won’t be niche products, and Sony Ericsson will continue developing phones based on Symbian and Windows Mobile.
• As of now, there are no specific announcements or release plans for any Android-based product by Sony Ericsson. It is simply too early for anything specific.
  

Press Release :

Sony Ericsson joins Open Handset Alliance

Sony Ericsson extends portfolio strategy to include support for Open Handset Alliance

London, December 9 2008 – Sony Ericsson today announced the extension of its portfolio strategy to include support for the Open Handset Alliance

“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,” said Rikko Sakaguchi, CVP and head of Creation and Development at Sony Ericsson. “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. Sony Ericsson is a strong supporter of open operating systems and we believe the Open Handset Alliance offers an exciting opportunity for a new and unique user experience only Sony Ericsson can deliver.”

Membership of the Open Handset Alliance will complement the company’s existing Open OS strategy which is based on the Symbian and Windows Mobile platforms.