Google announces Android - an open-source software platform for smartphones

The Google Phone is here – or rather, it will be next year. And it's not a phone – it's an open software platform for handset manufacturers called 'Android'.

Google has teamed up with 34 handset manufacturers and technology companies to form the Open Handset Alliance, with the aim of producing an open smartphone platform to compete with offerings from Apple, Microsoft, RIM and Symbian.

There are 34 members of the Alliance so far, including HTC, Motorola, Intel, nVidia, Skype, SiRF and eBay. Being open-source, the Linux-based Android platform will be available free to manufacturers and a software development kit will be released on 12th November. The first Android-powered handsets should be available late next year.

Google Chairman and CEO Eric Schmidt, said:

This partnership will help unleash the potential of mobile technology for billions of users around the world. A fresh approach to fostering innovation in the mobile industry will help shape a new computing environment that will change the way people access and share information in the future.

Today's announcement is more ambitious than any single 'Google Phone' that the press has been speculating about over the past few weeks. Our vision is that the powerful platform we're unveiling will power thousands of different phone models.

Android was developed by ex-Apple engineer Andy Rubin. He founded the Android company after leaving Danger, creator of the Sidekick. Google acquired Android in 2005.

There isn't much more information on Android available just yet (there's an HTC conference call tomorrow), but here's a video of Google's Android team talking about the Open Handset Alliance.

[Open Handset Alliance]