HTC's CEO revealed today that his company is definitely going to release three smartphones running Google's Android OS this year. Peter Chou was at a Merrill Lynch conference, and was asked to confirm a report that HTC will release five Android-based devices in 2009. And he did.

The launch of three Android phones in 2009 would solidify HTC's lead in the Android market. HTC has also slowly started to increase its smartphone market share, climbing to 4.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2008, up from 3.7 percent in the year-ago quarter, according to Gartner.

HTC is apparently pleased with the relative success of the G1, which has sold more than one million units worldwide. The HTC Magic is set to debut onVodafone's network later this year. Given its radio configuration, it is possible that HTC will release a version of the Magic for U.S. networks, though that isn't confirmed.

In addition to its Android efforts, HTC plans to launch 20 new smartphones not running on Android but likely Microsoft's Windows Mobile OS, as HTC is the largest maker of phones with the Windows software.

However with Samsung, Garmin, Sony Ericsson, and several others also working on Google Android devices for 2009 looks like we're in for a busy and exciting second half of the year.

In 2009, the company will focus on the Chinese market. "This is an important year for our entry into China, especially with China's release of [third-generation mobile phone] licenses," said Chou.

Finally, Chou said HTC was on the look out to acquire more phone design and technology companies. Last December, it purchased San Francisco-based consumer product designer One & Company Design.