Google's Android mobile platform gains 14 more partners

Google, Inc.'s (NASDAQ: GOOG) Android mobile operating system just received a rather large shot in the arm. The Open Handset Alliance, which supports the Android operating system, gained a bunch of new members this week. Companies like Sony Ericsson, Vodaphone Group Plc and ARM Holdings all joined the Google-created OHA, but there remains one major feat for these hardware manufacturers and mobile phone carriers.

That feat is to create more Android-powered smartphones that will compete with the likes of Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPhone and the most-used mobile operating system in the world, Symbian, where Nokia Corp. (NYSE: NOK) is the main cheerleader. Sony Ericsson announced that it would have an Android-powered device sometime in 2009. With a total of 47 members, Google's feat here is pretty staggering. To get that many leading hardware and mobile partners to join in on anything is a monumental feat.

Then again, 64 companies have indicated they plan to join the Symbian Foundation, which will give them royalty-free access to Symbian's marketing-leading software for mobile handsets and smartphones. The battle is far from over, with Symbian, Android and the tightly-controlled iPhone ecosystem all playing on the same field (and there are others as well). Google's Android is not guaranteed market-leading success unless it can find a way to give its partners some type of competitive advantage. So far, there is very little compelling evidence this is happening -- but then again, the first Android handset only shipped two months ago.