Android to be fastest growing mobile software: IDC

A study published by USA-based market intelligence firm IDC has revealed that the worldwide shipments of converged mobile devices, also known as smartphones, will surpass 390 million units, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.9 per cent for the 2009-2013 forecast period.
” In a market that was once dominated by BlackBerry, Symbian, and Windows Mobile, newcomers touting open standards (Android) and intuitive design and navigation (Mac OS X and webOS) have garnered strong end-user and handset vendor interest,” the report further stated. Android is a mobile operating system owned by Google.
“Mobile operating systems have become the key ingredient in the highly competitive mobile device market. Although the overall look and feel of the device will still play an important role in the buying process, the wrong choice of operating system coupled with an awkward user interface can mean the difference between success and failure,” said Stephen Drake, vice president, mobility and telecom in a company statement.
The key findings from a new IDC market outlook revealed that Symbian will retain its leadership position worldwide throughout the forecast period. Due primarily to the strength of Nokia in markets outside of the United States, Symbian continues to lead all other mobile operating systems.
Further the findings show that Android will experience the fastest growth of any mobile operating system. Starting from a very small base of just 690,000 units in 2008, total Android-powered shipments will reach 68 million units by 2013, making for a growth rate of 150 per cent. Android will benefit from having a growing footprint of handset vendors supporting it and will finish second to Symbian in shipments by 2013, states the report.
Set up in 1987, IDC (India) is a subsidiary of CyberMedia, is a source for market intelligence and consulting in the fields of IT, telecommunications and consumer technology. With its head office at Gurgaon, the company has branch offices in Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai.