Mobile Phone Operating System Comparison of Andriod / IOS / Blackberry and others

1. Comparisons Between Mobile OSes <br />While there are many mobile operating systems, the current top OSes include Google's Android, Apple's iOS, Microsoft's Windows Phone 7, Nokia's Symbian, and Research In Motion's BlackBerry OS. <br />While Symbian has a significant world market share, it is almost nonexistent in the US. Earlier in 2011, Nokia announced it was changing from Symbian to Windows Phone 7 for future products. Because of this change, we'll only look at the top four.<br />Here’s take an unbiased (we think) look at the latest versions of each OS and shows the strengths and weaknesses of each OS when used in smartphones.<br />Android<br />Produced by Google, Android has taken over the top spot from Apple, and now has the largest market share of mobile phones in the US. Android is an open source effort and is available to device makers for free. Earlier versions required considerable additional effort by the device makers, but Google has now built in support for many hardware standards reducing this effort. Google has also continually added new features, and delivered advanced development tools.<br />ProsConsLargest number of devices to choose fromFrequently enhancedLarge number of application availableExcellent UIMulti-taskingFree developer toolsNo restrictions on applicationsPhones are available from every service providerMany devices (although not all) can be unlocked with third-party applicationsAdobe Flash 10 support (in v2.2+)Some device manufacturers add alternative UI front-ends which reduces OS consistencyGenerally, updates are controlled by device manufacturer and may be slow or nonexistentApplications are not validated<br />iOS<br />Apple's iOS is the gold standard of OSes, and Apples iPhones and iPads continue to grow its sales. While once being the market leader, Android has surpassed it in 2010. Still, iOS is a force to be reckoned with, as it continues to expand and take market share away from others. <br />ProsConsExcellent UIThe largest number of applications available, exceeding all others combinedApple validates applicationsConsistent UI across devicesFrequent free OS updatesClosed architectureLimited number of devices to choose from - all from AppleNo multi-tasking for applications although it is promised for the future.Applications must be approved by Apple before being made available via the MarketplaceSomewhat hostile to the development community (tools are costly, applications may be refused for any reason and Apple required a large cut of all sales).Can't be unlockedNo Adobe Flash support and no plans to offer it<br />BlackBerry OS<br />BlackBerry OS is produced by Research In Motion (RIM), and has been very successful in the corporate and government markets. It offers the best integration with corporate mail systems and offers excellent security.<br />ProsCons Excellent integration with company mail systemsSecure send and receive email using proprietary encryptionApplications better targeted at the corporate environment than other OS application offeringsMulti-taskingPhones available from most service providersSupport for Adobe Flash 10 in a future updateClosed architectureLimited number of devices to choose from - all from Research In MotionLimited number of applications availableDated UIApplication development is more complex and difficult that other OSesApplications tend to be more costly<br />Windows Phone 7<br />Microsoft produces the Windows Phone 7 OS (WP7), a new OS launched at the end of 2010. It replaced the dated and obsolete Windows Mobile series of OSes. WP7 delivers a fresh approach with improved social media integration and a new tile styled UI called Metro.<br />ProsConsIntegrated and merged social media abilitiesExcellent home screen statusBuilt in support for Windows Office documentsWorks with Xbox Live multi-player gamingMulti-taskingExcellent development tools, with free versions available to students.Phones available from most service providersSupport for Adobe Flash 10 in a future updateUpdates available directly from MicrosoftThe minimum hardware reference standard exceeds most other OS maker's requirementsClosed architectureSmall number of applications availableUnusual Home page visual style disliked by someBrowser is a mix of IE7 and IE8 (a bit dated), although IE9 is expected to be made available in the futureApplications must be approved by Microsoft before being made <br />Quick SummaryWorldwide smart phone operating system (OS) market share in 2009-2015OS(listed alphabetically)2009market share2010market share2011market share2015 ***market ShareAndroid3.9%22.7%38.5%48.8%Blackberry19.9%16.0%13.4%11.1%iOS14.4%15.7%19.4%17.2%Symbian46.9%37.6%19.2%0.1%Windows Phone/Mobile8.7%4.2%5.6%19.5%Others6.1%3.8%3.9%3.3%Total smartphones sold172 million297 million468 million631 million<br />*** Future Assumptions<br />