Android struggles in Europe

 

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By Reuters

Posted on 7 Dec 2009 at 10:20

Android-based smartphones are struggling to find an audience in Europe, according to research from IDC.

The analysis firm revealed that market share of smartphones running Google's Android rose to 5.4% from 4.2% in July-September in Western Europe, a key area for the smartphone market.

Android has won attention in the mobile industry lately, with Motorola and Sony Ericsson choosing it for their new top models. However, analysts have suggested it's still selling well below predicted levels.

"Consumers steer clear of Google's OS and sell-out is below everyone's expectations. Consumers recognise the Google brand, but still do not understand what Android is," says IDC analyst Francisco Jeronimo.

"The lack of devices available didn't help to raise awareness, though this is expected to change, with more handsets from LG, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, and other vendors hitting the market soon," Jeronimo adds.

Gameloft, one of the largest cellphone game makers, recently bashed Android claiming that software developers were cutting back investment in developing games and other applications for the platform.

The study will cheer Nokia. Despite admitting that its Symbian OS needs an overhaul, it continues to be the leading operating system in Western Europe, controlling 48% of the market.

It wasn't all rosy for the world's largest mobile-phone company. Its market share dropped in Western Europe to 35.3%, with Samsung hitting 30.5% in the most recent quarter, boosted by strong sales of mid-range phones.

"The gap between these two has been narrowing, and Nokia is facing a significant threat of being overtaken by Samsung in Western Europe in 2010," says Jeronimo.