Strong sales of new smartphones running the Android mobile operating system helped push Google’s mobile OS past RIM for the top spot in the second quarter.
As Enterprise Mobile Today reports, high demand for Android-based models such as Sprint’s HTC EVO 4 and the Motorola Droid X helped knock RIM from the perch it’s held for almost three years.
From a carrier perspective, Verizon Wireless continued to lead the way in the second quarter — as it has for the prior three quarters — with 33 percent of units sold using its wireless voice and data service. AT&T checked in second with 25 percent, followed by Sprint and T-Mobile at 12 percent and 11 percent, respectively.
The NPD Group points out that Verizon Wireless’ ability to extend its leadership positioned was buoyed by an on-going, buy-one-get-one offer for all smartphones including both RIM and Android models.
More smartphones running Google’s Android mobile operating system were sold in the second quarter than any other OS, knocking RIM from the top spot for the first time since the fourth quarter of 2007, according to a report from market researcher The NPD Group.
Thanks to strong sales of new models such as Sprint’s (NYSE: S) HTC EVO 4 and Motorola’s (NYSE: MOT) Droid X, the Android OS accounted for 33 percent of all smartphones purchased between April and June, outpacing RIM (NASDAQ: RIMM) and Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) at 28 percent and 22 percent, respectively.
“For the second consecutive quarter, Android handsets have shown strong but slowing sell-through market share gains among U.S. consumers,” said Ross Rubin, executive director of industry analysis for NPD, in the report. “While the Google-developed OS took market share from RIM, Apple’s iOS saw a small gain this quarter on the strength of the iPhone 4 launch.”
