Android Becomes Top Smartphone Platform Worldwide

By Hannah Johnson

Often, publishers and content creators develop for Apple devices first, and then think about expanding development to the Android, Blackberry and other mobile platforms. However, a new report from tech industry analysis firm Canalys shows that Android and Nokia’s Symbian platforms have shipped more devices worldwide. In 2011, as competition heats up in the mobile sphere both in terms of platforms and devices, publishers looking to reach a wider audience should look beyond Apple.

Android became the top smartphone platform globally in Q4 2010, pushing Nokia down to number two, says Canalys. From the report: “Shipments of Android-based smart phones reached 32.9 million, while devices running Nokia’s Symbian platform trailed slightly at 31.0 million worldwide.”

Nokia remained the leading device manufacturer worldwide and led the way in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. However, in the United States, RIM (Blackberry) took over the top spot from Apple in terms device shipments. HTC came in third place in the US, thanks to the growth of Android and Windows 7 platforms.

In Q4 2010, Android was shipped on 12.1 million units in the United States, three times as many as RIM’s Blackberry devices.

About the Author

Hannah Johnson

Hannah Johnson is the publisher of international book industry magazine Publishing Perspectives, which provides daily information and news about book markets around the world. In addition to building partnerships with international cultural and trade organizations, she works with the Frankfurt Book Fair to organize and support a number of its overseas initiatives. Hannah has also worked as the managing editor for an online media company, The Hooch Life, focused on craft distillers and cocktail experts. Prior to that, she worked as a project manager for the Frankfurt Book Fair’s New York office, managing various business and marketing activities.