Looks like the Android platform is slowly beginning to pick up steam. We recently learned that Australia will see the world's second Android phone in early 2009. Now, Lenovo Mobile has jumped into the game and will make the world's third Android phone. Too bad it will only be available in China.A spy shot of a Lenovo-branded mobile phone has appeared on the Internet. The device, a sharp looking touch-based device, is said to be an Android phone.

According to a source cited by ModMyGPhone.com, "Given these developments, it is becoming very clear that developing a proprietary handset operating system is essential for dominance of the mobile Internet market in China. At the moment, China Mobile is in a comparatively weak position without its own operating system. With its own operating system, China Mobile will be able to commission customized phones from handset makers and keep its hand strong in negotiations over profit sharing. There is even the possibility that China Mobile may move into manufacturing handsets itself."

The developments being referred to include Apple and China Mobile's inability to come to terms over the iPhone, the recent advancements in Symbian, and the arrival of Android.

Not much is known about the device other than the picture being passed about the Internet. The device certainly has its appeal. It is leaps and bounds more attractive than HTC's G1 Android phone.

We'll continue to follow this story and see what develops over the coming weeks.