It wasn't long ago when the mobile phone software market was a lonely one with just a few participating companies. Nowadays, it’s crowded a crowded field with numerous legitimate contenders.
Microsoft Windows Mobile, Nokia Symbian, Google Android, Apple iPhone, Palm WebOS, RIM BlackBerry, and other mobile solutions are splintering the mobile industry.
Android is the OS earning the most attention recently, with over a dozen Android-powered phones announced in 2009. Sony Ericsson, HTC, Samsung and LG have all used Windows Mobile phones in the past, but have transitioned to show support for Android as well.
Mobile service providers also are getting into the act by promoting Android phones, along with other operating systems.
“A lot of manufacturers are walking into our office and talking about how important Android is becoming to them,” T-Mobile chief development officer Cole Brodman said in a statement to the NYT. “Android is ramping with more manufacturers and more price points. It is going to have a pretty significant impact.”
Android has just 1.8% of the market as Symbian, BlackBerry and Apple lead the way -- but Microsoft is losing marketshare to Android and the others.
I believe Android can gain marketshare over time, but it may take another year, if not longer, so consumers can become familiarized with the OS. Only tech savvy consumers are truly aware of some of Android's more powerful features, but consumer awareness should increase as Google and handset manufacturers begin to heavily promote the platform to mainstream phone consumers.
To combat this competition, Microsoft is preparing for the launch of Windows Mobile 7, which still doesn't have a public release date. Older versions of the mobile OS had issues with speed, stability and overall user experience in the years past. The company hopes its recent changes will give it the chance to become a relevant competitor in the mobile space again. Will Windows Mobile 7 and the new "Windows phones" put Microsoft back on the playing field? We'll have to wait for its release to find out.
