Asus Getting on the Android Bandwagon

Asus is reportedly going to release a smartphone running Google's new mobile operating system next year.

Details on this device are basically non-existent, other than it will run Android and is expected to debut during the first half of 2009.

This model will likely launch in Asus' home country of Taiwan, and later be distributed around the world, according to DigiTimes.

And Then There Were Three

If this unconfirmed report is correct, it will mean Asus will join HTC and Motorola as the third company actively working on an Android-powered smartphone.

HTC is the manufacturer behind the premier Android-based phone, the T-Mobile G1, which debuted last week. Motorola is also reportedly working on a device similar to the G1.

The latter two are members of the Open Handset Alliance -- the Google-led group responsible for Android -- while Asus is not. At least not yet.

Samsung and LG are also members of the OHA, but so far there have been no solid reports that they are expecting to release models in the foreseeable future.

Exactly which wireless carriers will be offering which Android-based device is unknown at this point. There are carriers several in the OHA, though, spread around the world from the Americas to Asia. 

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