In 2010, Android usage exploded with a 496% in users and obtaining a staggering 24% of the smartphone market in the US. According to a recent report by eMarketer, 2011 shows no sign of android adoption stopping. It is expected that Androids will climb to a 28% market share and growth will increase by 42% growth in users. Apple however, is holding steady at 31% growth and a 30% market share.
It seems to be inevitable that the widespread availability and increased hardware options for the Android OS will drive it’s market share past that of Apple.
What does this mean for marketers?
Regardless of who wins the market fight, it’s great for marketers and researchers as smartphones are providing users with an opportunity to share their lives anywhere at anytime unlike we’ve ever had before. Marketers are able to reach new users through increasing rich and diverse mediums while researchers are able to glean deeper insights and learn about individual buying, usage and lifestyle patterns.
