Android Dominates, Windows Mobile Plummets, iPhone Stagnant

[RickCathey]

Android Dominates, Windows Mobile Plummets, iPhone Stagnant - PCWorld Business Center

[jsh1120]

Good article. As often happens, though, the headline doesn't exactly match the content.

With market penetration of 7%, Android devices don't exactly "dominate" either the iPhone market share (25%) or BlackBerry's (43%). It certainly does look like the market is settling into a Big Three unless Windows7 grabs the public's attention and they provide a clear upgrade path for current WinMo users.

My wife seriously considered an Omnia II (WinMo 6.5) over the last couple of months. It's an attractive phone; a big advance over the original Omnia, slightly smaller and lighter than the Droid, and with a good selection of applications (including most notably native Swype.) But the prospect of signing onto a dead-end operating system with no upgrade path to Windows7 nixed that option.

She got her Droid this week and already has firmed up her biceps carrying around such a "heavy" phone.

[pc747]

like the article; more and more are embracing android. This will bring more development to the platform.

[New2u]

Good article. As often happens, though, the headline doesn't exactly match the content.

With market penetration of 7%, Android devices don't exactly "dominate" either the iPhone market share (25%) or BlackBerry's (43%). It certainly does look like the market is settling into a Big Three unless Windows7 grabs the public's attention and they provide a clear upgrade path for current WinMo users.

But you have to look at the overall picture. Android has pretty much grown into 7% in the past 5 months, apple has been doing it for 3 years, and blackberry for longer then that. When you see a phone system start eating away at the % of others, you have something that dominates. While it may not be dominating the market persay, it's got apple worried, and windows is all but an afterthought at the moment.

[jsh1120]

Good article. As often happens, though, the headline doesn't exactly match the content.

With market penetration of 7%, Android devices don't exactly "dominate" either the iPhone market share (25%) or BlackBerry's (43%). It certainly does look like the market is settling into a Big Three unless Windows7 grabs the public's attention and they provide a clear upgrade path for current WinMo users.

But you have to look at the overall picture. Android has pretty much grown into 7% in the past 5 months, apple has been doing it for 3 years, and blackberry for longer then that. When you see a phone system start eating away at the % of others, you have something that dominates. While it may not be dominating the market persay, it's got apple worried, and windows is all but an afterthought at the moment.

Well, of course it has Apple "worried." But as the author notes, iPhone sales are constrained by their availability only on AT&T. If the iPhone were available on VZW there would be a significant spike in their sales. So why doesn't Apple go to VZW despite the never-ending rumors the iPhone will appear? Well, only Apple, AT&T, and Verizon know the answer to that question, but you can bet it's a matter of $$$.

Furthermore, the 800 lb gorilla in the room is BlackBerry. Their current market share (still growing) is more than the iPhone and all Android devices combined. Though it's not a paramount concern of many folks on this site, the Android's weakness as a business communication platform puts a significant crimp in its growth prospects.

[pc747]

The android platform is still growing and has the potential to be molded into a device for different users. The iphone is thought of as a "toy", the black berry is a business phone, android is the phone that can bridge fun and business world. The difference between the different android devices out there and the fact that htc makes phones for both android and windows platforms provides potential for more business related apps.

[lschicky]

Android Surges While the iPhone Stalls Out - Smartphone market share - Gizmodo)

There is more info on the actual market-share from oct 09 -jan 10

Rim had 41.3% in oct, 43% in Jan, a 1.7% increase

Apple 24.8% in oct, 25.1% in Jan, a .3% increase

Microsoft 19.7% in oct, 15.7% in Jan, a 4% decrease

Google 2.8 in oct, 7.1% in Jan, a 4.3% increase. (Biggest increase of the market)

Palm 7.8% in Oct, 5.7% in Jan, a 2.1% decrease.


If this pattern continues, Android passes iphone in 15 Months. (April 2011) if I did my math right.... (Apple: .3%*5=1.5%+25.1%=26.6%, and Google: 4.3%*5=21.5%+7.1%=28.6% 5=number of quarter or 3 month time period) But that is only if things stay the same as far as market rate growth share.

[Brokn68]

That's one reason we're seeing Apple starting to sue hardware manufactures

[Detonation]

If this pattern continues.

It most certainly won't...this is just typical behavior of something new on the market, especially when the share is split among so few holders.

[mrtrumpet]

IMHO, the Droid should really be considered the start date for the Android phone platform. While there were Android phones before it, the real kick-off came with VZWs marketing effort. That and the fact the the broader media viewed the Droid as the first serious competitor to the IPhone.

Viewed in this light the gain in marketshare is all that much more remarkable, i.e., how many of the Android phones sold were either Droids or Droid Eris. I'm betting alot, and all in a very short amount of time.


PS I had a WM phone for the past 3 years. I will never ever buy another MS Mobile product. Total crap, IMHO.