Twelve Android operating system smartphones have been announced this year, with dozen more expected next year. Winner is the user, and the big loser for now is Microsoft's Windows Mobile.

Motorola has dropped Windows Mobile from its line in a switch to Android. HTC expects half of its phones sold this year to run Android. Dell is using Android for its entry into the cellphone market.

It turns out that cellphone makers are turning to the free, and open source Google's Android.

Same behaviour is among U.S. carriers. Verizon introduces this week the Droid from Motorola (on the picture above), which will come with Android Version 2.0 (called eclair). 

Even AT&T, the home of the iPhone, recently said it would join the Android party next year (probably because then we might see the iPhone with Verizon and others).