AdMob Jan 2010 shows usage, Android's gains

iPhone and iPod touch owners are more likely to recommend their devices to friends than those using other platforms, AdMob says in its latest data. A high 91 percent of iPhone users and 88 percent of iPod touch users would tell others to buy their devices as of January. A more modest 84 percent of Android phone owners would recommend what they bought, while just 69 percent of Palm Pre or Pixi owners would do the same.

A similar split occurs in app purchasing habits. iPod touch users are the most prolific and download an average 12.1 apps every month, 1.6 of which are paid. Android and iPhone owners are roughly tied for total downloads at 8.7 to 8.8 per month, but the small size of the Palm App Catalog leaves webOS users downloading 5.7 apps each month. Those with iPhones were much more likely to buy paid apps than Android or webOS users at an average of 1.8 apps versus 1.1 and 0.6 for its opponents.

No matter a preference for particular platform, the desire to get another device varied widely. Less than 6 percent of Android, iPhone or iPod owners want an Amazon Kindle, but those with Apple devices were much more likely to want either an iPad or an iPod. Android users are noticeably less apt to want any Apple device, peaking at no more than 12 percent wanting an iPod touch.

In usage share, Apple has dropped very slightly from December numbers to exactly 50 percent worldwide. The success of the Motorola Droid helped boost Android's total share to 21 percent and push Symbian further down to 19 percent. The Droid and other devices like the Cliq and Droid Eris helped Android make major strides within the US, where it now represents 39 percent of mobile traffic.

Most share in other countries remains stable or slightly positive for Apple, particularly in the UK where Apple has an extremely high 79 percent usage share. Android only claims 10 percent of use on the island nation and Symbian just 7 percent.

By Electronista Staff