The new members will either deploy compatible Android devices, contribute significant code to the Android Open Source Project, or support the ecosystem through products and services.

The fresh intake consists of Sony Ericsson, Vodafone, AKM Semiconductor, ARM, ASUSTek Computer, Atheros Communications, Borqs, Ericsson, Garmin, Huawei Technologies, Omron Software, Softbank Mobile, Teleca and Toshiba.

For the likes of Vodafone and Sony Ericsson, support for Android and its ecosystem could have significant implications for their respective mobile content offerings.

The news certainly raises the stakes in the open mobile OS race, with Nokia taking Symbian open source next year,

For its part, Sony Ericsson has confirmed it will make Andorid-powered devices to complement its existing Symbian and Windows Mobile offering.

Rikko Sakaguchi, CVP and head of Creation and Development at Sony Ericsson, said: "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."