Google Android OS ‘will give Apple iPhone a run for its money’

Technology buffs the world over have been lavishing praise on the Apple iPhone ever since its release, regarding it as the handset to beat when it comes to smartphones.

However, new figures released by the NPD Group recently revealed something quite surprising.

According to the research firm, the iPhone’s operating system (OS) makes up 21 per cent of the US smartphone market share.

Fair enough.

However, this is only enough to keep it in third place.

The Google Android OS is second in terms of market share, with 28 per cent, behind RIM’s BlackBerry software.

In addition, it would appear Android handsets are gathering strength over here too.

New figures from GFK showed UK sales of the devices grew from three per cent in contact week 12 to 12.3 per cent by week 15.

And Flora Graham, the mobile phone editor of CNET UK, reckons the Android has emerged as a true competitor to the iPhone.

"Things that the iPhone really popularised or invented, like apps, for example, Android is very much pursuing the same kind of modelling," she said.

She went on to suggest a potential reason why it’s proving so popular.

"You can get Android’s OS on any number of handsets, but … Apple is more than happy to make one phone at a time," Ms Graham explained, before adding: "You can put [Android] on any handset really, so you get handsets that are more affordable and handsets for different kinds of people."

Which do you prefer – Android or iPhone?