The success of the Android concept has attracted a wave of 14 new members for the Open Headset Alliance, a recent announcement confirms. AKM Semiconductor Inc., ARM, ASUSTek Computer Inc., Atheros Communications, Borqs, Ericsson, Garmin International Inc., Huawei Technologies, Omron Software Co. Ltd., Softbank Mobile Corporation, Sony Ericsson, Teleca AB, Toshiba Corporation and Vodafone are officially part of the alliance.

What this means for the consumers is of course a wider range of Android devices, whose availability is yet unknown. However, the announcements will probably appear sooner rather than later, since the Android platform now acts like a goldmine for tech companies.

The new members of the alliance will be busy either developing some new amazing Android gadgets, adding their contribution to the Android Open Source Project or supporting the ecosystem through products and services that will accelerate the availability of Android-base devices, OHA said.

Sony Ericsson expressed excitement for becoming OHA member and commitment to developing a handset based on the Android platform. Rumors have it that Sony Ericsson will launch an Android phone by mid-2009, although that still remains to be seen.

Vodafone also said joining the alliance is a step toward delivering unbeatable experiences and accelerate time to market for innovative products and services.

By the looks of it, HTC and T-Mobile are losing exclusivity on Android devices, but that was of course inevitable. After all, G1 had its moment of glory, and it’s time for more competitiveness among these iPhone killers.

Furthermore, the success of the first ever Android phone creates a lot of perspectives for tech companies to get involved and get all the benefits. As for consumers, they should probably expect to see more diversity and alternatives hopefully as of next year.