Google Android is getting huge

Google Android Is Getting Huge.

Smart-Phone Market Update: Apple’s Eating Everyone Else’s Lunch.

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Why is Android a good bet for the mobile industry — and why is it becoming popular?

• It’s technically solid. Especially better than Windows Mobile, which manufacturers are weighing it against. (Though it’s not as polished as the iPhone or perhaps the Palm Pre.)
• It’s free. No license cost for phone makers.
• It has the next-best mobile app platform to Apple’s, and unlike Palm or RIM, could actually support decent games. Developers are paying attention to Android, moreso than other platforms.
• It’s open-source. This means manufacturers and carriers can mess with it to their hearts’ content, in an effort to offer differentiated experiences. Thus, stuff like HTC’s Sense user interface, Motorola’s BLUR user interface, and custom services promised by Verizon. (Hopefully, this can be more productive than how PC companies compete in the commoditized Windows-powered computer industry — mostly on price.)
• Google is investing millions of dollars into helping companies who want help. Google’s hope is that Android will get hundreds of millions of more people using the Internet on their phones, so it could eventually make billions in mobile advertising.

Apple has gone from 2% global share to 14% share in a year.

RIM’s creeping higher worldwide–now 20%–but it’s losing share in the US.  Nokia’s still dominant worldwide, but it’s slipping (44%).  Everyone else is getting crushed.

In the US, the market breaks down basically as follows:

Research In Motion: 52% (down from 56% last year)

Apple: 23% (up from 7%)

Google: 2%

Everyone Else: 23%

Again, Apple’s gaining share astonishingly fast…from 7% to 23% in a year.  Imagine what will happen when the company cuts loose from AT&T.