A Nielsen Wire blog post broke the news that for the first time Android mobile phones (powered by Google) have outsold the iPhone in the United States this year. In fact, Android sales are really heating up worldwide with almost a 900% increase in sales from a year ago. I think that the power of branding with Google on your side is a real plus as more mobile customers make the move to more web capable smartphones. Many new customers are also coming from the annoyed Blackberry customers who are making the switch to a device better suited for apps and browsing, not just email.
Companies that have embraced partnerships with Android are also seeing big their investments pay off in spades. For instance Motorala’s HTC really got a boost when they decided to start producing Android devices. Mobile service providers like T-mobile and Verizon in the U.S. are seeing lot’s of new customers attracted to their service because they want an Android phone.
I will say that I am very happy to have gone with Android myself. I am going on the third year with the original device (G1). It’s funny that I am still discovering new features on my phone and really just now getting more into using apps. I will say that I dread the day I have to replace this device with something that doesn’t have real keys.. I hate touchscreen keyboards.