Android Dominates in Q3

Android has rapidly become the #1 selling smartphone OS in the US. In the 3rd quarter of this year Android accounted for 44% of all sales, up from 3% a year ago. Meanwhile, Blackberry's market share had dropped in half and Apple's iOS has lost ground as well.

In some ways the Apple to Android comparison is apples to oranges. After all, Android is used on myriad handsets by virtually every handset maker on every provider. The iOS is available only on the iPhone and through AT&T. As soon as the iPhone opens to other carriers, the competition should be much more interesting.

Left in the dust is RIM's Blackberry. Consider that RIM also makes multiple handsets and is available through all carriers. Those facts put Android's rise in real perspective. And of course, the situation becomes much more complicated now that Windows has launched its new mobile system.