comScore October share shows Android slowing down

Android growth in the US is still significant but may have slowed down at the start of the fall, according to new comScore data. Google's mobile OS climbed to 23.5 percent in October, or 6.5 percent more than July, but a more modest 2.1 percent over the past month. If sustained through the rest of 2010, it would still be a high rate of growth but would still represent a rare dip in Android's pace at 6.3 percent.

Apple managed to hold off Google for the month as it was the only other phone platform maker to gain share. It moved up 0.8 percent to get 24.6 percent of the American market and keep its second-place position. Continued strong iPhone 4 demand matched with better supply may have played the largest role.

RIM continued its recent decline and saw BlackBerry phones drop to 35.8 percent, narrowing its advantage. The results challenged RIM co-chief Jim Balsillie's claims that the fall would be better for the BlackBerry after he accused Apple of profiting from including September in its summer quarter.

Among all phones, Samsung still had a lead at 24.2 percent, but most other rivals lost share. RIM despite its smartphone losses actually gained share to hit 9.3 percent, owed in large part to Nokia's losses and Motorola losing basic phones in favor of its Android hardware.

By Electronista Staff