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Google Android Captures #1 Position in U.S. Smartphone Market

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Re: Google Android Captures #1 Position in U.S. Smartphone Market

#41

Post by trotsky »

rbanffy wrote: post #33
trotsky wrote: post #23

Earlier quoted context omitted.

They also collect licensing fees when phone makers use the Android name, Google trademarks and Google's software in the phones. Is that accurate? Everything I've seen has indicated that if anything money moves the other way - Google sharing revenue on platform ads (and possibly other services) with oems and carriers. I haven't seen anyone claim that oems pay licensing fees to google for google apps and trademarks - I…

> Is that accurate? I have no reason to believe otherwise, since some Android-based devices like the original Nook never use the name Android anywhere. However, I could not find any income statement that details their revenue sources by channel/product line.

To qualify for Google branding and to use the Android trademark and ship with the android marketplace a manufacturer has to comply with the "Compatibility Definition Document" - a platform spec document that includes some software behavior and a number of hardware features. including high speed wireless data, an X MP camera, a compass, acelerometer, touch, a standard screen res, etc.

The nook if memory serves lacks a camera at least so they didn't qualify.

Compatibility Program overview: http://source.android.com/compatibility/overview.html

Note that this doesn't say you get access to all google apps like navigation - it does appear another agreement is needed for those - I just don't know if that is a pay for access by the oem or some other arrangement.

Re: Google Android Captures #1 Position in U.S. Smartphone Market

#43

Post by rimantas »

Kylekramer wrote: post #22
lispm wrote: post #17

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Why? Apple makes much of the profit. A report claims that Apple makes with 4% global market share 50% of the profits: http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/01/31/apples_4_mobil... Google does not even really sell a phone. Google sells you, the user.

They currently make most of the profit. But with declining market share puts those profits in severe danger in the future. And god, if I never heard the "Google sells you" line again, it would be too soon. Apple has an ad platform too, you know.

> But with declining market share puts those profits in > severe danger in the future.

Can someone explain, how this got upvoted? 50% of profits with just 4% of market share, the article we ar discussing there sates that Apple's market share grew (6,4 to 7 percent in OEM, 24.6 to 24.7 in total smartphones market. Even more—Apple was the only growing besides Google), and somehow "declining market share" gets upvoted? Add 20x revenues of App Store vs. Android market and 9,5 billions made by iPad in just nine months — all that is somehow "severe danger" to Apple's profits?

Re: Google Android Captures #1 Position in U.S. Smartphone Market

#44

Post by megablast »

rufo wrote: post #40

iPhone is only one small piece of the iOS puzzle, though - iPod touches and iPads add a not-small chunk to iOS' marketshare.

Yes, but that does not invalidate the data presented here. It is worth comparing smartphones, to see how others are fairing in this market segment, and it is worth comparing entire OS marketshare, to see what everyone is using.

Apple is doing well, and Android is doing amazingly well.

Re: Google Android Captures #1 Position in U.S. Smartphone Market

#45

Post by jimbokun »

lispm wrote: post #17
jimbokun wrote: post #6

I hope this serves as a wakeup call to Apple, that their position is not so unassailable that they can continue looking for new ways to drive away partners and developers without consequences.

Why? Apple makes much of the profit. A report claims that Apple makes with 4% global market share 50% of the profits: http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/01/31/apples_4_mobil... Google does not even really sell a phone. Google sells you, the user.

Because content is more important to selling phones than better hardware and software. Right now, with the App Store and iTunes, Apple has the most and best content for their phones.

But what if they lose Netflix, Kindle and others by demanding too much, but those applications are still available on Android? At that point, how much better does iPhone hardware and software have to be for consumers to buy an iPhone over an Android phone?

With iPod, Apple had high profit margins, the most and best content, and dominant market share. They should want to repeat that model with iPhone, not the 1990s Mac model.

Re: Google Android Captures #1 Position in U.S. Smartphone Market

#46

Post by megablast »

whatusername wrote: post #38
YooLi wrote: post #30

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's because all Android has done is blurred the line between smart phone and feature phone. It's Android phones now that are the free and BOGO phones and that's exactly what Google wants--a base out there that they cannot be excluded from for their primary business, advertising. ex.: http://macdailynews.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/110303_andro...

Dear US writers: $0 Upfront is not a "free" phone. $50 Upfront is not a "Cheap" phone. I can get a "Free" iPhone 4 32GB on any carrier I like in Australia. // This doesn't mean that Android isn't undercutting apple on price -- but that $0 / $50 / $200 upfront are not meaningful in any way

The only sense I can make of people who continuously write this point, is that they will always be making some monthly payment for their phone. Therefore, they do not count that monthly payment, and only look at the upfront fee.

Re: Google Android Captures #1 Position in U.S. Smartphone Market

#47

Post by megablast »

valjavec wrote: post #14

This is so funny. Android is gaining it's share and everyone is trying to create iPhone killer. Noone is doing an Android killer:)

To create an android phone, means writing an OS, giving it away, and trying to get hardware developers, app developers, and advertisers on board. That is not going to be easy,

Microsoft might have a chance, if they started to give away their OS, but probably not.

Re: Google Android Captures #1 Position in U.S. Smartphone Market

#48

Post by athom »

georgieporgie wrote: post #24

Somewhat off-topic: is there any reason not to get Virgin Mobile's $150 LG Optimus V for the purpose of exploring Android development? Aside from smaller memory and lower-res camera, it looks like I don't miss out on anything from top of the line models.

I just wish I could afford one. Can you still use the pay-as-you-go plans with this one?

Re: Google Android Captures #1 Position in U.S. Smartphone Market

#49

Post by whatever_dude »

noahlt wrote: post #8
dchest wrote: post #7

Again?

It seems like we get this story every week.

I'd say it's because there are different milestones that people - fanboys, media, companies - set. There's so many ways to measure. Daily activations, current total market penetration... then there are variables like location (US or global?), range (smartphones or all mobile devices?)... Android is just winning them one by one, and this specific one happens to be one of the most important metrics, IMO.

Re: Google Android Captures #1 Position in U.S. Smartphone Market

#50

Post by georgieporgie »

athom wrote: post #48
georgieporgie wrote: post #24

Somewhat off-topic: is there any reason not to get Virgin Mobile's $150 LG Optimus V for the purpose of exploring Android development? Aside from smaller memory and lower-res camera, it looks like I don't miss out on anything from top of the line models.

I just wish I could afford one. Can you still use the pay-as-you-go plans with this one?

As I understand it, the cheapest plan is $25/mo with unlimited data, 300 minutes voice, and no contract.

Edit: also, I saw on Slickdeals.net that Target is/was selling them for $129 and you get a $20 gift card.

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