Google says it expects 18 to 20 Android-capable phones to be on the market by the end of 2009, not counting however many manufacturers may make use of the company's free version of the OS. Those devices may not be in the US, though, thanks to the competitive landscape.

There may only be a couple Android-capable phones on the market right now, but by the end of the year, there could be as many as 20. Google discussed the company's plans this week to work with eight or nine unnamed manufacturers in order to roll out the devices, which may be available overseas earlier than here in the US.

Google's senior director for mobile platforms Andy Rubin indicated at the Google I/O conference that there would be at least 18 Android devices by the end of 2009 and possibly up to 20, according to the New York Times. That includes two that are already on the market—the G1 in the US, and the HTC Magic in Europe—but does not include however many manufacturers may make use of the open source OS without working with Google.

More: http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news/2009/05/18-to-20-android-phones-to-land-by-the-end-of-2009.ars