Google has denied reports this week that phones using its open-source Android software have been delayed to 2009. “We’re still on track to announce Android-powered phones this year. Some of our partners are publicly stating that they plan to ship Android phones in the fourth quarter,” said a spokesman, according to a report in The Street. Google’s confirmation of a 2008 launch could help allay any fears that an Android-powered mobile phone may be overshadowed this year by a 3G iPhone from Apple, or RIM’s forthcoming BlackBerry Bold model, based on HSPA technology. Last week Google demoed its nearly-complete mobile software system to about 3,000 computer programmers at its annual developer conference in San Francisco.

Android was first announced nearly seven months ago. Based on the Linux operating system, it is being jointly developed by Google and the Open Handset Alliance. The 34-member group includes mobile operators such as China Mobile, NTT DoCoMo and Sprint Nextel, semiconductor vendors Intel and Qualcomm, and handset vendors LG, Motorola and Samsung. Missing from the list are Nokia, AT&T and Verizon Wireless, which are supporting rival LiMo Foundation’s mobile Linux platform.