There are several different mobile operating systems fighting each other to increase their market share in 2012. Recently, we have seen the Windows and Apple platforms enjoy a rise, but the system that they will all be looking to overcome is Android, the popular software used. by several leading phones, including the Samsung Galaxy Nexus.
When Android first emerged as a leading smartphone operating system, many commentators claimed that it would eventually overtake the Symbian platform that was used by many devices at the time. This shift in power is almost complete with Symbian practically slipping under the radar by letting the Big Three Guns battle each other for the most impressive market share. The Market Intelligence And Consulting Institute (MIC) of Taiwan has reported that they expect the total Android market share to grow to more than 50% in 2012. In 2011 more than 206 million Android devices were shipped representing 46% of the market and this number is expected to grow thanks to numerous new phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, which will be released alongside software enhancements such as the new ICS version of the platform.
Not only is the Android platform expected to enjoy a prosperous 2012. Both Windows and iOS expect increases in their numbers during this period. Apple’s market share is expected to rise to 19 percent, while Microsoft will see its relatively new platform increase to around 13 percent. This numerical boom for major platforms is due to the worldwide popularity of smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and the iPhone 4S. Not long ago, smartphones were only used by professional users and the general public was in favor of more compact feature phones. As smartphone prices began to decline, we saw the functionality of these devices improve and a combination of these two factors has led a broad spectrum of phone users to opt for such a device. MIC confirms this trend and states that it expects the total number of global smartphone sales to exceed 614 million in 2012, representing a whopping 36 percent increase over 2011.
The current trend in smartphone sales is great news for all three major platforms and they should all enjoy a prosperous 2012. However, Google’s Android system is still the best and the launch of the new Samsung Galaxy Nexus is the beginning. perfect for such a great year for the company.