Smartphones based onGoogle Android could challenge the dominant position of
Apple's iPhoneif it continues its current
rate of growth.
In the past year, Android has spread from one device on one
carrier to 12 handsets on 32 carriers in 26 countries, according to
the
Financial Times.
These numbers are to be boosted even further with more
smartphone makers planning to introduce Android-based devices and
more carriers set to support the Android operating system.
Android appeals to smartphone makers seeking to challenge the
dominance of Apple, Nokia and Research in Motion, which
comprise an 80% share of the global market.
Smartphone makers HTC, Motorola and Samsung have announced plans
to release Android-based devices in the US soon and carriers Sprint
and Verizon Wireless are to join the Android fold.
Google is targeting the iPhone's lack of real keyboards;
inability to run simultaneous apps; inability to allow open
development; and lack of interchangeable batteries.
Google chief executive
Eric Schmidt stepped down as an Apple director in August
because of growing conflict of interest between the two companies,
as Android becomes more mainstream.