Motorola next with Google Android phones?

For all the fuss around the launch of the first Google Android handset, the T-Mobile G1, other manufacturers haven't exactly been rushing to follow HTC's lead and bring out their own. But now Moto looks like it might be putting serious investment behind the platform.

According to Electronista, Motorola is busy extending its Android developer team from 50 souls to a full 350 - a strong indication that it could be looking to Android to replace its less than stellar performing Linux MOTOMAGX and Symbian UOQ based offerings.

A well-placed source in Motorola UK confirmed to Mobile Computer that it was "experimenting" with Android but they wouldn't be drawn on any launch plans or timeframe - despite our incessant digging.

The news will bring some cheer for Google after last week's snubbing by Sony Ericsson, which poured cold water on rumours that it may launch an Android-based Xperia. Sony Ericsson's chief technology architect, Mats Lindoff, told journalists in Copenhagen, "If you want to give every service away to Google, then Android is the perfect solution." Ouch!