Huawei to launch Android handsets in 2009

Huawei has announced that it plans to release smart phones based on Google’s Android operating system next year.

The networking vendor has joined the Open Handset Alliance, the interest group that works to develop the Android OS as a common operating system for smart phones, and has also built relationships with other OHA members including China Mobile, Telefónica, and T-Mobile.

So far only T-Mobile has released a phone based on Android, with the September US-release of its G1 handset, but other OHA members, including Samsung, Sony and Motorola, are expected to launch phones next year.

Huawei is initially planning to launch handsets in Q3 of 2009, for the Australian market.

Speaking about the move, Huawei vice president Li Jilin commented: “Huawei sees potential in the operator resale market, and is relying on its insight into mobile communication trends and operators’ requirements to further explore the mobile field to meet the varied demands of operators and users.“Joining the Open Handset Alliance is an important step in Huawei’s global strategy. Currently, we’re developing smart phones on the Android platform, which we plan to launch in 2009. We believe that the Android platform will transform the mobile life experience for users around the world. Huawei is dedicated to playing an important role in this transformation,” he added.