Qualcomm backs Android platform

US chip shop Qualcomm is throwing its weight behind Google’s Android platform, demonstrating the OS running on its Snapdragon chipset.

The demonstration runs at WVGA resolution, supporting larger displays for mobile devices.

As we reported at the end of 2008, web giant Google’s foray into the mobile space is picking up significant steam and it looks like 2009 will be the year of the Android.

In December, the Open Handset Alliance (OHA) announced the additional membership of 14 more companies: AKM Semiconductor, ARM, ASUSTek, Atheros Communications, Borqs, Ericsson, Garmin International, Huawei, Omron Software, Softbank Mobile, Sony Ericsson, Teleca, Toshiba and Vodafone.

Depending on their role, the new members will either develop Android-based devices, contribute code to the Android Open Source Project, or support the ecosystem through products and services that will accelerate the availability of Android gadgets.

With one Android device already available, and a second announced for late January, the portfolio of Android-based handsets looks set to swell its ranks. In 2009, we can expect to see Android devices from HTC, Kogan, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Kyocera, Asus, Garmin, Huawei, LG, Samsung and Toshiba.

With mobile broadband adoption exploding, and big screen handsets becoming popular, Google also tweaked its mobile advertising options to better support the newest breed of mobile phone operating systems at the end of last year.

A new campaign level option allows AdWords advertisers to show desktop text and image ads on the iPhone, the G1 and other mobile devices with full internet browsers.