The Android platform is gaining new adepts as we speak, putting some serious doubts on the future of other platforms struggling to make it. The latest example in that direction is Motorola, who is reportedly ready to give up the Symbian project for Android.

The story was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. The newspaper wrote that Motorola’s co-chief executive Sanjay Jha is decided to change directions and focus on Google’s Android platform, amid restructuring plans that also include significant layoffs.

The interesting part is that Motorola is actually one of the founding members of Symbian Ltd., which they formed in partnership with Ericsson, Nokia and Psion. However, considering the momentum Android has gained, and the tough competition we see on the market today, it would come as no surprise if Motorola confirmed dropping out of Symbian.

Nokia announced earlier this year willingness to acquire the rest of the Symbian shares it does not already own because it plans to turn it into a non profit foundation. The new formed foundation will have a board of directors that will be equally divided between the partners of the deal which include mobile phone manufacturers Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericson, Samsung and LG, chip manufacturers Texas Instruments and STMicroelectronics NV, and wireless operators Vodafone, AT&T and NTT DoCoMo.

Just last week, Symbian Foundation members have nominated Lee Williams as Executive Director for the foundation, during a meeting held in London. Lee is currently head of the S60 organization in Nokia’s Devices business, where he will remain until January 1, 2009 or until the foundation and its leadership are in place and operational.

We know for a fact that G1 had a strong debut, and that the Android platform has gained enough momentum to spark interest in other phone producers as well, besides HTC who produced the G1. Sources inside the Motorola company confirmed earlier this month that the phone-makers has an Android handset in the making, with touch-screen, QWERTY keyboard and social-networking capabilities. The phone is expected to make its debut on the US market sometime in 2009, people familiar with the matter have said.

Motorola’s decision to stay or to leave Symbian is of particular importance, especially with the holiday season coming up, and considering the losses the company has been dealing with. Deciding which way to go will not only be crucial for the future of the company in the industry, but it will also be interesting to see the impact this decision will have on the Symbian project.

The Android phone has undoubtedly conquered the hearts of many phone developers, firing up the mobile industry scene, opening new possibilities for projects, making or breaking the competition. Even computer maker Asus is reportedly working on an Android phone (DigiTimes), which is expected to come out in the first half of 2009.