Windows Mobile Popularity On Decline, Report Suggests

While Windows 7 might be eating the competition for dinner, as of late Microsoft has not been so lucky in the smartphone market. In fact, the Redmond-based company's share of the pie has dipped considerably as rivals Google, Apple and Research in Motion (RIM) sap the popularity of Windows Mobile.

According to a recent report from industry analysts ComScore, Windows Mobile's share of the American market dropped an astounding 4 points during the period October 2009 to January 2010. It's a huge dip, with Microsoft's mobile operating system plummeting from 19.7 per cent of the smartphone market to just 15.7 ninety days later.

Google Android Makes Big Gains

ComScore points directly at Microsoft's Internet rival Google, whose Android mobile platform saw an enormous increase in popularity over the same period. As we entered October, Android was running on just 2.8 per cent of American smartphones. However, by the end of January, that number shot up to 7.1 per cent, more than doubling its previous share.

Apple has also taken a slice of Microsoft's pie, but not nearly as much. Its market share increased less than a point to 25.1 per cent. Having a greater impact was Waterloo, Ontario-based Research in Motion (RIM), makers of the ubiquitous BlackBerry. RIM's share of the market increased 1.7 points, to 43 per cent, helping the company maintain a healthy lead over its competition.

Microsoft wasn't alone in its slip. Smaller competitor Palm also dropped, from 7.8 per cent to 5.7 per cent between October and January. (Source: seattlepi.com)

MS Turns to Windows Phone 7 Series for Help

The report highlights Microsoft's troubles in the mobile arena. The software giant has been open about its problems, which it promises will be a thing of the past after the release of its much-anticipated Windows Phone 7 Series.

Clearly the company hopes any association with the very well received Windows 7 will help its growth in the mobile market, but it will take more than just name dropping to turn the tide. In fact, it's entirely possible Microsoft will slip even further before Windows Phone 7 devices show up on the retail radar.

ComScore's report reveals how incredibly lucrative this market is becoming. In the three month period under review, the total number of U.S. smartphone owners increased 18 per cent compared to the previous three months. (Source: betanews.com)