Android overtakes iOS in U.S. smartphone subscribers, sets target on RIM.

[MrsJoseph]

Originally Posted by thrawn_aj

For me, Google reigns supreme when it comes to information. They're using that to the fullest right now in terms of integrating their usual services (that everyone knows and loves) fully into the Android platform. In the end, I wouldn't be surprised if that trumps everything for the behind-the-times folks (like me, who just joined the already-obsolete ranks of 3G with the low-end (possibly midrange? I dunno) Samsung Transform ).

Think about it, Google's web services are already used by so many (even those who swear by Apple). There is nothing analogous that Apple offers to anyone who is not already invested in Apple hardware. And for the mobile platform, the hardware doesn't seem to be as much of a factor as it is when it comes to PCs. Google, by making their services free, has ensured a ready and waiting customer base to tap into - use our phone and you an seamlessly integrate all your current productivity apps into your phone. Apple has this too of course (as does MS), but the difference is that Google is far more universal than either of those since it's hardware independent.

And all this, without locking down their hardware and software. I'm far from an expert in these matters, and as a relative layperson in IT matters, it seems brilliantly played I would think.

Google seems to have spent all this time quietly building up a near-monopoly when it comes to information intensive services. Hell, the people I know with iPhones still use Google maps for navigation or searching for businesses, etc. .

Google's CS really concerns me. They are known for having horrible responses to any complaint.

[Phogg]

Originally Posted by Dylrob

My gut feeling is that iOS will quickly retake the market share if and when a Verizon iPhone is released.

My gut feeling is that iPple will never be able to overcome it's limited feature set.

[rdfry]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Virtually all phones now are either triple- or quad-frequency, meaning they'll work world-wide. You'll struggle to find a single-frequency handset these days. All the major handset manufacturers sell world-wide, and it's easier for them to make phones that can be sold anywhere in the world.

What I should have said is the Tmobile smart phones I have work in Europe just fine.

[thrawn_aj]

Originally Posted by MrsJoseph

Google's CS really concerns me. They are known for having horrible responses to any complaint.

No doubt. I may have seemed Google-crazy in that post (I guess I am to some extent ) but I was simply pointing out their market dominance when it comes to information. There are times it creeps me out mightily .

What if we wake up one day and find out that Google was just the first wave of the alien invasion and they were just cataloging the Earth for the ultimate garage sale?? I swear - I just thought of that . I'm really not a conspiracy kook .

[rdfry]

Originally Posted by thrawn_aj

No doubt. I may have seemed Google-crazy in that post (I guess I am to some extent ) but I was simply pointing out their market dominance when it comes to information. There are times it creeps me out mightily .

What if we wake up one day and find out that Google was just the first wave of the alien invasion and they were just cataloging the Earth for the ultimate garage sale?? I swear - I just thought of that . I'm really not a conspiracy kook .

Well then we will have a really good time evading them.

[MrsJoseph]

Originally Posted by thrawn_aj

No doubt. I may have seemed Google-crazy in that post (I guess I am to some extent ) but I was simply pointing out their market dominance when it comes to information. There are times it creeps me out mightily .

What if we wake up one day and find out that Google was just the first wave of the alien invasion and they were just cataloging the Earth for the ultimate garage sale?? I swear - I just thought of that . I'm really not a conspiracy kook .

I could see that happening, google is everywhere.

[discourse]

I think the US smartphone market share bloodbath has just begun. Verizon iPhone equals less Android sales. Blackberry coming back with a new user interface will also shake things up. Not to mention Nokia finally releasing some good new phones with US carriers after previously only selling their worst phone models in the US market.

2011 Will be an exciting year all around

[Dopedangel]

Originally Posted by discourse

I think the US smartphone market share bloodbath has just begun. Verizon iPhone equals less Android sales. Blackberry coming back with a new user interface will also shake things up. Not to mention Nokia finally releasing some good new phones with US carriers after previously only selling their worst phone models in the US market.

2011 Will be an exciting year all around

When in comes to number of users Android will out pace Ios simply because it is slowly becoming the default OS for the rest of the manufacturers and not just for phones. And more and more manufacturers are building stuff with android in it.
So if your cars, Washing Machines, Microwaves, Freezer, Lcd, cable box etc all are android based you will use the phone that is most compatible with all those other devices.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by thrawn_aj

...

What if we wake up one day and find out that Google was just the first wave of the alien invasion and they were just cataloging the Earth for the ultimate garage sale?? I swear - I just thought of that . I'm really not a conspiracy kook .

That thought has crossed my mind. It MUST be true! OMG we're doomed! Or domed or something, quick contact the vogons!

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by discourse

I think the US smartphone market share bloodbath has just begun. Verizon iPhone equals less Android sales. Blackberry coming back with a new user interface will also shake things up. Not to mention Nokia finally releasing some good new phones with US carriers after previously only selling their worst phone models in the US market.

2011 Will be an exciting year all around

Well, I agree with the last statement at least...

[BenG]

I'll keep my Droid until I'm eligible for Verizon's New Every Two discount. By that time the iPhone 5 may be out.

[devilsadvocate]

Originally Posted by HarryT

I'm not sure, though, that there are many people who need "unlimited" data. I have a contract for 1GB/month on my iPhone. I use it all day, every day, as a mobile internet device, and I've never yet hit 300MB in a month; in a typical month I'll use around 200-250MB. Mind you, having said that, I don't use sites like YouTube; perhaps it's sites like that which eat data allowances!

My VZW account gives me unlimited data for US$30 a month. Actually, mine gets $6 knocked off the top for one reason or another but my wife's is the "full" $30. The $45 plan includes a bunch of corporate email jazz that I (currently) have no use for.

My Droid X is rooted and I do the tether thing, as well as browsing, VPN, YouTube, Google Nav, and (until recently) Pandora. While looking for something else on my VZW account I noticed my usage-to-date was just south of 500MB. Considering the unofficial limit for the unlimited plan is 5GB, I'm not too worried; the speed at which you can move data on a 3G network negates worrying much about capacity. LTE will be a different story.

As far as the market share thing goes, I don't suspect the presence of the iPhone on VZW is going to magically double the number of iPhone users, as there will be:

1. Those who sprang for the iPhone 4, who will still have some 18 months left on their AT&T contract;
2. Those who are gambling that service on AT&T's network will improve as some leave for VZW.

Further, my observation over the last year has been that for many Android users it's not an either-or proposition; the decision being made was whether to invest in an Android phone, not to choose between it and an iPhone. In fact, everyone I know personally with an iPhone is a repeat customer, whereas everyone I know with an Android phone either came from another smartphone or were first-time smartphone buyers. Admittedly I don't work for Neilsen or IPC, but I know a pretty well-rounded demographic. Grain of salt not included, YMMV, etc etc.

[gwon]

For me, the number one reason why I buy Apple products is because of the great customer service I get. Are there limited choices? Yes there are. Do all of the work, and are all of them supported by the manufacturer? Yes they are. So in the end, having a choice of 10-20 different devices with only 2-3 being viable is the same limit in choices I can make.

I think it's great to see competition. But as we sit and watch everyone pull away from working together on video standards and other opportunities for competition to be about the individual companies' abilities to innovate, I worry that this will just turn into an ugly fight instead of a great consumer experience.

This mobile device marketplace regarding hardware and software is going to be good for the world economy, only if we don't build all this up and throw must of it away.

[HansTWN]

Originally Posted by gwon

For me, the number one reason why I buy Apple products is because of the great customer service I get. Are there limited choices? Yes there are. Do all of the work, and are all of them supported by the manufacturer? Yes they are. So in the end, having a choice of 10-20 different devices with only 2-3 being viable is the same limit in choices I can make.

I think it's great to see competition. But as we sit and watch everyone pull away from working together on video standards and other opportunities for competition to be about the individual companies' abilities to innovate, I worry that this will just turn into an ugly fight instead of a great consumer experience.

This mobile device marketplace regarding hardware and software is going to be good for the world economy, only if we don't build all this up and throw must of it away.

Apple service? You must be speaking for the US here. In Hong Kong and Taiwan their service stinks to high heavens, as family and friends had the "pleasure" of finding out on numerous occasions.

Examples are: trying to weasel out of a service claim with no sound after only 5 days of usage on a new iphone 4, they want around 300 USD to fix a Wifi module on a 14 month old phone, etc, etc. I could go on.

[MrsJoseph]

Originally Posted by HansTWN

Apple service? You must be speaking for the US here. In Hong Kong and Taiwan their service stinks to high heavens, as family and friends had the "pleasure" of finding out on numerous occasions.

Examples are: trying to weasel out of a service claim with no sound after only 5 days of usage on a new iphone 4, they want around 300 USD to fix a Wifi module on a 14 month old phone, etc, etc. I could go on.

Are you serious?? That's horrible. I shattered my iPhone 3GS screen the day I bought it (the day it came out). I called to get it fixed and this guy gave me major run around. Threw a complete hissy fit on the phone, demanded his company ID number - so he transferred me up a level. That person sent me a new iPhone, had it within 2 days.