The Google-backed Open Handset Alliance introduced fourteen new members, including Asustek Computer of Taiwan, Huawei Technologies of China, Toshiba of Japan, and Sony Ericsson, on December 9, according to a Reuters report. 10 other members new to the alliance dedicated to developing the open source Android mobile platform include AKM Semiconductor, ARM, Atheros Communications, Borqs, Ericsson, Garmin International, Omron Software, Softbank Mobile Corporation, Teleca AB, and Vodafone. The total number of companies in the Open Handset Alliance thereby arrived at 47.

Of the fourteen new members, Sony Ericsson is expected to be the first to launch an Android platform-compatible mobile device, slated for rollout in mid-2009. Moreover, with the participation of GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation product maker Garmin, it is projected that the application of Android platform will extend from mobile phones to other devices.