The Android Open Source Project continues to go from strength to strength as the Open Handset Alliance announces a batch of new members. Amongst the 14 new companies to sign up and demonstrate support for Android as an open mobile platform, are Sony Ericsson and Vodafone. The importance of which should not be lost in the marketing message. Getting these truly big players in the global mobile phone game on-side is vital for the future success of Android.

The other new members to join the Open handset Alliance are: AKM Semiconductor Inc., ARM, ASUSTek Computer Inc., Atheros Communications, Borqs, Ericsson, Garmin International Inc., Huawei Technologies, Omron Software Co. Ltd, Softbank Mobile Corporation, Teleca AB and Toshiba Corporation.

Of course, there is no immediate word as to whether Sony Ericsson or Vodafone will be deploying a compatible Android device, or if they will be contributing significant code to the Android Open Source Project, or maybe just supporting the ecosystem through products and services to hopefully advance the Android cause. However, membership does demand at least one of these things.