Nokia’s positioning as the world’s leading mobile phone maker might mean that its Symbian operating system is similarly placed, but there’s a new kid on the mobile block in the shape of Android, and analysts think the Google and Open Handset Alliance (OHA) operating platform is heading towards massive growth.
A bright future for Android? Image: dannysullivan/Flickr.
More pointedly, research specialist Strategy Analytics revealed today that Android is fast gaining momentum in the smartphone space and is expected to find a way into the hands of around eight million mobile consumers during 2009, which is a 10-fold improvement over its traction this time last year.
Furthering the strength of its elbowed entrance in amongst established platforms such as Windows Mobile, Palm OS and market leader Symbian, the appeal of Android has been bolstered after the majority of handset manufacturers – except Nokia – announced support for the open-source system.
According to Strategy Analytics director Neil Mawston, Android is already well positioned to become a “top-tier” player in the smartphone industry before 2012 thanks to Google’s widespread selection of support services and its low-cost licensing model, which has successfully attracted telecommunication leaders such as T-Mobile and Vodafone.
However, while projected growth and market placement all seem favourable for Android, the research company has also pointed out that the operating system is still expected to sit some way adrift when considering that approximately 75 million Symbian-equipped smartphones were sold in 2008.
Beyond the inclusion of online search giant Google, the Open Handset Alliance boasts members such as chipmakers Intel and NVIDIA, and notable mobile players such as Motorola, Samsung, LG Electronics, T-Mobile and Qualcomm.
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