Android's Surging Popularity: 10 Factors Driving Its Growth

Android’s Surging Popularity: 10 Factors Driving Its Growth

Written By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
Dec 9, 2010
2 minute read
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Google’s Android platform cannot be called anything other than a downright success, as the operating system is running on some of the most popular devices in the world. And, according to the latest reports from Google, 300,000 Android devices are being activated every single day. The result is an operating system that is easily outpacing Apple’s iOS and could eventually go on to become the world’s top mobile OS.

Of course, Android’s success didn’t come overnight. And there were some missteps along the way that held the platform back from being this popular from the start. But Android has caught its stride now, and the chances of the platform suddenly losing its standing as the go-to OS in the smartphone space are becoming slimmer by the day. Simply put, Android is an unbridled success.

And here’s why:

1. Google

Although Apple supporters might not want to hear it, Google is every bit as powerful in the mobile software space as their beloved company. Consumers look to Google to deliver better software than most other providers. And they believe that the company can come through for them. So far, at least when it comes to the latest versions of Android, Google has done just that.

2. Android 2.2

Android 2.2 has proved quite convincingly that Google can deliver an effective software platform to consumers and it knows what it takes to be successful. Android 2.2 is easily the best version of the mobile OS, and vendors are chomping at the bit to get the software on their devices. Consumers are keen on using it as well, thanks to several of its new features, including Flash 10.1. Simply put, Android 2.2 has proved to be the best competitor to iOS yet.

3. HTC

If there is any vendor that can be most closely associated with the success of Android, it’s HTC. Not only has the phone maker been a key supporter of the mobile OS from the beginning, but it continues to offer devices that are compelling to consumers. HTC has yet to lose sight of the value of Android, and it’s a key reason why the mobile OS is as popular as it is today.

4. Motorola

If HTC contributed most to Android’s success, Motorola is a close second. The company’s Droid devices, starting with the Motorola Droid and continuing on with the Droid 2 and Droid X, have been the best competitors yet to the iPhone 4. The company’s Droid Pro is arguably the best enterprise-focused Android device on the market. Combine all that, and Android’s success can be attributed in large part to the popularity of Motorola products.

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