Samsung have announced that their first Google Android powered mobile phone will be released later in 2009. Samsung were one of the first members of Google’s Open Handset Alliance, and have been rumoured to be working on an Android-based handset for some time.

Today sees official confirmation of the development of such a handset, with a Samsung spokesperson saying “We are accelerating the development process for Google phone in order to meet the specific need of local carriers.” The new Android phone will be sold through T-Mobile and Sprint, and will feature a touchscreen (naturally) and the usual plethora of Google apps (Maps, G-Talk messenger, GMail, search and calendar).

2009 looks set to be the year that Android takes root. With the launch of the T-Mobile G1 last year, the Android platform already showed promise. With rumours circulating about other manufacturers, including Samsung, Motorola and Sony Ericsson, all looking to develop their own Android handsets, it’s great to see Samsung make the announcement officially.

Now all we have to do is wait. Hopefully we’ll find out more info at this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in mid February.

[Source: Newsoxy]