Smart report shows growing demand for Android devices

CEBU, Philippines - Filipino subscribers are starting to embrace the entry of Android technology in the mobile service platform as manifested in the latest report from Smart Communications that indicated a 102 percent increase takeup of Android devices in the last three months.

The wireless giant revealed that from end February to end of May this year, a big jump of Android-based mobile phones overtook the popularity of other operating system based mobile units such as RIM’s BlackBerry and Apple’s iOS, although these are also gaining ground.

 “This unprecedented rise in the uptake of Android is testament to its increasing acceptance among Filipinos” said Smart Wireless Consumer Division head Danilo J. Mojica.

“As its biggest ambassador in the Philippines, Smart is committed to supporting the OS as it is the key to bringing the smartphone and mobile Internet experience to all Filipinos,” Mojica added.

Developed by Internet giant Google Inc., Android is a mobile operating designed to bring the full web experience to the palm of your hands. Its enhanced user interface and its ability to connect seamlessly to the Internet users the power not just to surf or send emails as they please, but also to access cloud-based applications and services wherever and whenever they please.

Chief among this is the Android Market—Google’s online repository of mobile applications or “apps”—which is home to hundreds and thousands of games, entertainment, and productivity software. Choose from among the many titles such as the award-winning Angry Birds by Rovio Mobile, the versatile VLC media player by VideoLAN, and the essential QuickOffice Pro by Quick Office, Inc.

Like any smart device, an Android phone works best with the best Internet connection from the best mobile network.

Smart offers a variety of Android devices available across several Unlimited Data plans such as the Samsung Galaxy Mini (free at Smart Unlimited Data Plan 1500), the Samsung Galaxy Ace (free at Smart Unlimited Data Plan 2000), the Samsung Galaxy Tablet (free at Smart Unlimited Data Plan 2000), the Sony Ercisson Xperia Arc (free at Smart Unlimited Data Plan 3000) and the latest addition to the Android family, the HTC Desire S (free at Smart Unlimited Data Plan 2000).

Also available from Smart is the Huawei Ideos U8150, the most affordable Android smartphone in the country, which comes free with every new connection or retention of Consumable Plan 500. — (FREEMAN)