Global shipments of Android smartphones to hit 1 B by 2013

MANILA, Philippines - International information and market research firm IHS forecasts that cumulative global shipments of Android smartphones will breach the one-billion mark by 2013.

IHS reveals that since the first Android device was shipped in 2008, the cumulative shipment figure of smartphone devices using the Google-owned operating system will be at 1.1 billion by next year. 

“The Androids are taking over the world of smartphones,” said Daniel Gleeson, mobile analyst for IHS. “We expect the Android operating system to become the first to reach the milestone of one-billion shipments during its lifetime. For Google, this accomplishment highlights the success of its growth strategy for Android, which is based on providing the operating system as an open-source platform to third-party smartphone brands free of charge.”

In an interview with All Things Digital, an online publication that specializes in technology news and analysis, Google chairman Eric Schmidt also revealed that there are already more than 500-million Android devices in use worldwide, with an average of 1.3 million additional activations each day.

“We will be at one-billion mobile devices in a year,” he said, adding that Android products already outnumber devices running Apple’s iOS by a margin of four to one, calling the battle between the two operating systems “the defining contest” in the mobile technology segment.

Research projects director for Mobile Monday Dr. Madanmohan Rao, who authored this year’s Mobile Southeast Asia Report, said in the report that Android has propelled Korean mobile firm Samsung to the top of global smartphone and overall mobile sales, with the operating system flourishing in Southeast Asia, where it now accounts for half of all smartphone sales.

“The wide range of Android devices, which covers affordable and budget phones as well as mid- and high-range smartphones, is key to its continued growth in Southeast Asia and other regions,” according to the report.

In the same report quoting a GfK Asia research study, it was also revealed that the share of Android-powered smartphones sold in the region triple to account for 49 percent during the first quarter of 2012, up from 15 percent in the first quarter 2011, powering a range of devices.

In the Philippines, usage of Android-powered smartphones is also in full swing with Globe Telecom offering a full range of Android devices paired with its complete line-up of fully customizable postpaid plans.

Just recently, Globe launched the Samsung Galaxy Note II under its suite of unlimited data plans. For P1,799 monthly, subscribers can avail themselves of the bigger and better Samsung Galaxy Note II under Globe Unli Surf Plan 999 with monthly cashout of P800 complete with unlimited data for uninterrupted mobile surfing, and well as one call and text combo freebie.

The Samsung Galaxy Note II is built with a 1.6 GHz quad-core processor, 3100mAh battery, 5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED display and 16:9 screen ratio, delivering powerful performance with its enhanced creativity tools.

The Samsung Galaxy Note II is also available at higher data plans with monthly consumable amount for calls and texts.

At P2,049 monthly for 24 months, subscribers can enjoy the device with unlimited data, additional P800 monthly consumable for calls and texts, and three call and text freebies that are changeable monthly at Globe Unli Surf Plan 1799 with monthly cashout of P250.

Users who want to avail themselves of the Samsung Galaxy Note II for free can subscribe to Globe Unli Surf Plan 2499 with a shorter lock-up period of 24 months.

The unlimited data plan is bundled with unlimited mobile surfing, P1,500 monthly consumable for calls and texts, and five call and text freebies that are changeable monthly.

“Globe joins the global Android phenomenon as we see a steady growth in smartphone penetration in the country, thanks to our strong partnership with some of the world’s leading device manufacturers that allows us to bring a portfolio of Android devices to our subscribers,” said Martha Sazon, head of Globe Postpaid.

Sazon added: “Now, we welcome a new addition to Samsung’s roster of Androids, the revolutionary Samsung Galaxy Note II, which we offer at various data plans and price points at shorter lock-up periods, running on an upgraded Globe network made stronger and more reliable.”

Visit www.globe.com.ph/samsungnote2 or call the Globe sales hotline via toll-free number (02) 730-1010 to know more about the Samsung Galaxy Note II from Globe.