Motorola at work on Android-based social networking phone

A job advertisement posted by Motorola strongly suggests the handset maker is at work on a social networking-specific device powered by Google's Android mobile operating system. According to the AndroidGuys website, the Motorola posting seeks candidates for the position of Senior Staff Interaction Designer to work on development of new mobile products including the self-explanatory Android Social Networking SmartPhone--the phone would presumably serve as a kind of mobile hub connecting consumers to their favorite social networking services, with a pronounced UI emphasis on personal media sharing and related activities.

Motorola is a founding member of the Google-backed Open Handset Alliance, and in late September reports surfaced the firm is seeking to expand its Android development team from 50 members to 350. Citing an Android developer approached by a headhunter to join the Motorola team, TechCrunch reported Motorola is making a significant financial bet on Android in an effort to reverse its sagging fortunes in the handset market; Critics have long singled out software as the weak link in the Moto value chain.

For more on the Android Social Networking SmartPhone:
- read this AndroidGuys article