Aug 24, 2010

Digital Publishing Weekly Roundup: Droid Wars

Android Powers Ahead In Smartphone Marketshare

By the end of May 2010, 49.1 million people owned a smartphone. This is according to a recent study conducted by Comcast that took place between February and May of this year. Here’s how that number breaks down:

41.7% own a RIM device (BlackBerry)
24.4% own an Apple device (iPhone)
13.2% own a Microsoft-based device
13% own a Google device (Droid)

BlackBerrys have long dominated the smartphone market, thanks in part to their popularity with the business crowd. And Apple tends to put a sizeable dent in any market they enter, given their built-in hip factor. The most interesting thing about this study, as Jason Patton notes in his article on RCR Unplugged, is the 4% market share increase claimed by Google in just three short months. This is particularly remarkable not only for the small timeframe in which it occurred, but also because during this same time period, every other manufacturer’s points dropped. Patton suggests that Google’s success has largely to do with its Android operating system. In fact, with the exception of Nokia, RIM and Apple, many vendors are either currently using or plan to use Android OS for their smartphone platforms. As Erika Smith from The Indianapolis Star puts it, “Google is doing a lot more than just nibbling on Apple's smartphone business. It is taking big bites.”

Here’s more on the subject:

Android powers ahead with growth in smartphone market share capture. (RCR Unplugged)

Android increases market share of public wifi use against Apple iOS. Ipad jumps in to 3rd place for wireless devices. (MinOnline)

Why the “Smartphone Wars” Seem So Familiar. (PCWorld)

A look at some Android options. (The Indianapolis Star)

—compiled by Jennifer Sanchez