Open Handset Alliance teams expands to 47.

These days its either jump on board or get left behind.  More mobile phone manufactures are now seeing the vision and power of the Google Android mobile device platform.  Some of the newest members include Sony Ericsson, Vodafone, Asustek, Toshiba, Garmin, and ARM holdings.  They are committed to back the Android software to take on rival Apple’s popular iPohone , Nokia’s Symbian, and Microsoft’s windows mobile.  Analysts are hoping in 2009-2010 the introduction of more smart phones using Android. “It’s great to get these folks on board…now (the Open Handset Alliance) has to make sure these licenses actually ship products,” said research firm Jupitermedia’s vice president of mobile strategy, Michael Gartenberg.