Android dominating much of the mobile world

While advisers remain heavy users of Apple iPads, much of the world is picking up a new Android smart phone or tablet.
MAY 28, 2013
First-quarter worldwide shipments of smart mobile devices: 308.7 million units. That according to market research firm Canalys' latest estimates. The firm includes notebook computers, tablets and smart phones in that count. Advisers continue to frequently ask me about which mobile operating system is dominating these days. Despite our own survey last year which showed that 85.8% of advisers were using an iPad, Android is coming on strong in the general market thus far in 2013. (It was interesting that last year saw Android break into double-digit usage among advisers, with 13.3% of our survey takers indicating they had one.) One of several flavors of the Android operating system were loaded onto 59.5% of all smart mobile devices shipped in the first quarter of 2013, according to Canalys. Apple Inc. is still selling plenty of iPads, iPhones and laptops though — accounting for 19.3% of shipments. Microsoft Corp. with its Windows 8 and Windows Mobile operating system shipped an 18.1% share. Keep in mind again that this includes tablets, phones and notebook computers. That said, Canalys reports that the tablet market does indeed continue to grow the fastest among the three device types. Viewed from a worldwide perspective, tablet shipments grew 106.1% year-over-year to 41.9 million units. Canalys also noted that while Apple continues to lead in the tablet market with a 46.4% share, its share is sliding a bit to Android-based competitors — and that is the case for a third consecutive quarter. “Spearheaded by Google and Amazon, the commoditization of the tablet market has happened far quicker than that of the wider PC market,” said Canalys senior analyst Tim Coulling, in a prepared statement released Thursday. When specifically taking smart phone shipments under review, worldwide shipments totaled 216.3 million for the quarter, according to Canalys analysts. Android's share of that total equaled 75.6%. Among manufacturers, the handset crown continues to be worn by Samsung — with a total world share of 32% in the first quarter. Now if any of this persuades you to go out and buy an Android as your next smart phone, please, for good measure, consider purchasing some antivirus and/or anti-malware protection. Related stories: Pershing to introduce second generation of its mobile platform Android operating system catching up Source information: Smart mobile device shipments exceed 300 million in Q1 2013 Smartphones to Stay in the Forefront and Other Connected Device Trends to Watch for 2013 Android and malware references: Five Signs Your Android Device is Infected With Malware TrustGo and Lookout Top Android Mobile Security Test

Latest News

RIA moves: The Mather Group, Brand Asset Management announce deals
RIA moves: The Mather Group, Brand Asset Management announce deals

Consolidation continues in US wealth management industry.

US broker-dealer fintech aims for global footprint as it acquires international firm
US broker-dealer fintech aims for global footprint as it acquires international firm

Tech company democratizes access to US trading infrastructure.

Advisor moves: RBC swipes $1.7B UBS team, Baird duo departs for LPL's Linsco channel
Advisor moves: RBC swipes $1.7B UBS team, Baird duo departs for LPL's Linsco channel

RBC Wealth Management's latest move in New York adds an elite eight-member team to its recently opened Westchester office.

Stifel star broker, Chuck Roberts, leaves firm under cloud of investor complaints
Stifel star broker, Chuck Roberts, leaves firm under cloud of investor complaints

Stifel – so far - is on the hook for more than $166 million in damages, legal fees and settlements in investor complaints involving Roberts, a 35-year industry veteran.

iCapital secures $820M in latest funding, hits $7.5B
iCapital secures $820M in latest funding, hits $7.5B

The giant alt investments platform's latest financing led by T. Rowe Price and SurgoCap Partners, along with State Street, UBS, and BNY, will fuel additional growth on multiple fronts.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.