Oracle's Lawsuit Against Google May Boost Apple and Microsoft Amid Android Frenzy

Strategic Insights -

Google's Android-based smartphones, which have witnessed a massive surge in popularity, are currently being threatened by Oracle Corp.'s lawsuit against the tech giant. However, this issue may not have a negative impact solely on Google, as it also has the potential to benefit Apple Inc. and Microsoft Corp. According to Gartner, Android-based smartphones have jumped to 17.2 percent of the smartphone market share in the second quarter of 2010, leaving behind Apple and other competitors.

Key Takeaways:

  • Android-based smartphones recorded a 17.2 percent market share in the second quarter of 2010, surpassing Apple's share.
  • Google's Android-based smartphones are expected to dominate the market in the future, with four of the top ten Android-based smartphone vendors recording a year-on-year growth rate of over 100 percent in the second quarter.
  • HTC controlled 7.6 percent of the smartphone market in the June quarter, up from 5 percent last year, while Samsung controls 4.8 percent of the smartphone market, up from 2.6 percent in the same period.
  • Android-based smartphone vendors, including Motorola and Sony Ericsson, already have a bigger combined market share than Apple.
  • Oracle's lawsuit may bring back Windows Mobile platform-based smartphones in popular demand, potentially benefiting Microsoft.
  • The uncertainty of the lawsuit's outcome may drive developers away from Java language to .Net, benefiting Microsoft.

Statistics:

  • Android-based smartphones jumped to 17.2 percent of the smartphone market share in the second quarter of 2010.
  • Four of the top ten Android-based smartphone vendors recorded a year-on-year growth rate of over 100 percent in the second quarter.
  • HTC controlled 7.6 percent of the smartphone market in the June quarter, up from 5 percent last year.
  • Samsung controls 4.8 percent of the smartphone market, up from 2.6 percent in the same period.
  • Android-based smartphone vendors have a combined market share of 27.4 percent, surpassing Apple's 13.3 percent market share.

Sources:

  • Gartner
  • International Data Corp. (IDC)
  • Oracle Corp.
  • Google Inc.
  • Apple Inc.
  • Microsoft Corp.
  • Motorola Inc.
  • Sony Ericsson