Sony Ericsson set to build, release Android phone

The manufacturer behind the Windows Mobile-based Xperia X1 (not to mention all those Walkman and Cyber-shot phones) says it's jumping on Google's Android bandwagon. Plus: Is Sprint inching closer toward its own Android handset?

As GigaOM reports, 14 new companies—including ARM, AsusTek Computer Inc., Garmin, Toshiba, and Vodafone—are joining Google's Open Handset Alliance. Among the new members: Sony Ericsson, which acknowledged that yes, it will be developing and building its own Android phone. (Asus and Toshiba are apparently teeing up their own Android devices, as well).

That's great news. Why? Because Sony Ericsson (IMHO) builds some of the best phones in the business—including some pretty impressive music phones (the Walkman line) and camera phones (witness the various Cyber-shots), not to mention the gorgeous (if way pricey) Xperia X1 (check out Chris' review).

Meanwhile, what's up with Sprint and Google? Last we checked, Sprint CEO Dan Hesse was throwing some grief Google's way, complaining that Android was not yet "good enough to put the Sprint brand on it." Ouch.

Well, it now looks like Sprint's ready to kiss and make up. The new party line, as Sprint VP Kevin Packingham told Bloomberg News: "We believe in the vision for Android, so we want to see it get bigger and healthy."

OK, so what does that mean in terms of actual phones? We can, when the timing's right, pull the trigger," Packingham added. Translation: Expect a Sprint-branded Android handset "within a year," according to Bloomberg.

Related:
Sprint Getting Closer to Android Phone? [GigaOM]
Sprint Considers Google-Powered Device to Lure Users [Bloomberg News]