Interesting stats, I think that as phones become smarter and more advanced, Nokia will begin to lose even more market share. The Smart Phone market is currently growing faster than the Dumb Phone market. The big winners will be Apple, Google, Rim and after Windows Phone 7's release, Microsoft.
I agree that it's growing, but I don't think it will grow so much as to surpass the dumbphone/cheapphone market. I think there's a limit, especially if smartphones continue to be so expensive. Do your parents want a smartphone? Does an average phone user want a smartphone? (think of the female population for a second, they are even the majority out there;))
Engadget readers are a very specific segment of the population, they don't represent the real world.
@Endadget You're right about the expense issue, but in terms potential smartphone users i.e. those of an older age, I actually know quite a few that are moving over to smart phones. Most of them iPhones, but that's probably down to the iPhone's ease of use.
Market share for any dominant force is bound to shrink now that the market has so competitive, what matters to them is who will come on top in 5 years time.
iPhone made smartphones simple, it was the smartphone for dummies and has done well but still lacks a lot of power features that a segment wants but is a minority now compared to 4 years ago.
Android seems like a good balance of the old and new and will probably dominate the western markets in 5 years with Nokia heading the eastern markets. iPhone is a luxury item and will probably remain a bit player in terms of market share.
@dansus Hate to break it to you, but Android is a Geek, Nerd and Tech enthusiast platform. Just because its used by a lot of manufacturers doesn't meant it will dominate. The idea that strength in shear numbers leads to success doesn't always work. Just ask Microsoft about Windows Mobile. Manufacturers are love Android, but everyday consumers are rejecting their advances.
@Theli It doesn't need to, considering the amount of manufacturer support Android has, you'd expect its numbers to be a lot higher than they are. Fact remains it just doesn't have enough developer support or mind share to change that at the moment, will that change? Maybe.
@sonola777 Manufacturer support is all fine and well, but look at the Nexus One interface - do you really think that's the kind of stuff consumers want in the 21st century? No wonder it was such a blunder in terms of sales. HTC Sense & Co. help, but don't we all know where that leads? In no time Android will be a fragmented mess of a platform unless G do something about it.
The Chromebooks are here, starting with Samsung's Series 5, a cute little number that promises instant-on access, 3G connectivity, and long enough battery life to web surf with the best of 'em.
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Interesting stats, I think that as phones become smarter and more advanced, Nokia will begin to lose even more market share. The Smart Phone market is currently growing faster than the Dumb Phone market. The big winners will be Apple, Google, Rim and after Windows Phone 7's release, Microsoft.
@sonola777
I agree that it's growing, but I don't think it will grow so much as to surpass the dumbphone/cheapphone market. I think there's a limit, especially if smartphones continue to be so expensive. Do your parents want a smartphone? Does an average phone user want a smartphone? (think of the female population for a second, they are even the majority out there;))
Engadget readers are a very specific segment of the population, they don't represent the real world.
@Endadget You're right about the expense issue, but in terms potential smartphone users i.e. those of an older age, I actually know quite a few that are moving over to smart phones. Most of them iPhones, but that's probably down to the iPhone's ease of use.
@sonola777
Market share for any dominant force is bound to shrink now that the market has so competitive, what matters to them is who will come on top in 5 years time.
iPhone made smartphones simple, it was the smartphone for dummies and has done well but still lacks a lot of power features that a segment wants but is a minority now compared to 4 years ago.
Android seems like a good balance of the old and new and will probably dominate the western markets in 5 years with Nokia heading the eastern markets. iPhone is a luxury item and will probably remain a bit player in terms of market share.
@dansus Hate to break it to you, but Android is a Geek, Nerd and Tech enthusiast platform. Just because its used by a lot of manufacturers doesn't meant it will dominate. The idea that strength in shear numbers leads to success doesn't always work. Just ask Microsoft about Windows Mobile. Manufacturers are love Android, but everyday consumers are rejecting their advances.
@sonola777
Where exactly in the report does it say what "everyday consumers" buy?
@Theli It doesn't need to, considering the amount of manufacturer support Android has, you'd expect its numbers to be a lot higher than they are. Fact remains it just doesn't have enough developer support or mind share to change that at the moment, will that change? Maybe.
@sonola777
Manufacturer support is all fine and well, but look at the Nexus One interface - do you really think that's the kind of stuff consumers want in the 21st century? No wonder it was such a blunder in terms of sales. HTC Sense & Co. help, but don't we all know where that leads? In no time Android will be a fragmented mess of a platform unless G do something about it.