In an announcement on its official blog, Google unveiled not a GPhone but two initiatives: an Open Handset Alliance and Android.

OHA now has the backing of 30 telcos. Android meanwhile is described as “a complete set of software for mobile devices: an operating system, middleware and key mobile applications” that will be Linux-based, ergo, open-source.

The Last Podcast however says:

Right now, the announcement is heavy on the cute and low on information, except that Motorola, Qualcomm, HTC, T-Mobile, Marvell, PacketVideo, SONiVox, Intel, Sprint, and Wind River and many others are all part of the alliance

What’s in it for us consumers? A staffmember at Digital Trends wrote:

From a consumer’s point of view, Android should heat up competition in the smartphone space, resulting in ever more-capable handsets becoming available at lower prices. And unlike some closed-off systems (like the current state of the Apple iPhone) users will be able to install third party applications to add new functionality to their phones. Android may enable smartphones to shift away from primarily business and enterprise users to truly consumer-oriented devices.

Filipino developers may join the quest starting Nov. 12 when Google releases Android’s SDK.