A broad alliance of technology and wireless companies have joined forces to announce the development of Android that claims to be the first truly open and comprehensive platform for mobile devices. Google, T-Mobile, HTC, Qualcomm, Motorola and others have collaborated on the development of Android through the Open Handset Alliance, a multinational alliance of technology and mobile providers.

This alliance shares a common goal of fostering innovation on mobile devices. By providing developers a new level of openness that enables them to work more collaboratively, Android claims to accelerate the pace at which new and compelling mobile services are made available to consumers.

The Android platform is a fully integrated mobile "software stack" that consists of an operating system, middleware, and applications. Consumers should expect the first phones based on Android to be available in the second half of 2008. Next week the Alliance will release an early access software development kit to provide developers with the tools necessary to create innovative and compelling applications for the platform.

"This partnership will help unleash the potential of mobile technology for billions of users around the world. A fresh approach to fostering innovation in the mobile industry will help shape a new computing environment that will change the way people access and share information in the future," said Google chairman and CEO Eric Schmidt.

According to Peter Chou, CEO, HTC, "Our participation in the Open Handset Alliance and integration of the Android platform in the second half of 2008 enables us to expand our device portfolio into a new category of connected mobile phones that will change the complexion of the mobile industry and re-create user expectations of the mobile phone experience."

“Motorola plans to leverage the Android platform to enable seamless, connected services and rich consumer experiences in future Motorola products," said Ed Zander, chairman and CEO of Motorola.