Google said over 700,000 new Android devices are activated each day, capping a year of rapid growth for the popular smartphone platform.
Android chief Andy Rubin said the number works out to around 5 million Android users each week, or roughly the iPhone 4S? opening weekend sales figures. He added daily activations include cellular devices only, not re-sold or Wi-Fi ones.
Android?s steadily-climbing activations highlight the platform?s continued worldwide expansion. Google?s operating system powers more than half of the smartphones sold during the third quarter and runs on about 200 million activations to date.
Apple still holds the top device maker spot with over 250 million iOS users, but the gap between Android and iOS is shrinking. Apple?s 50-million device cushion is expected to shrink as Android phones continue to flood the market, while upstarts like Windows join the fray in 2012.
Earlier this month, Google chairman Eric Schmidt hinted at plans for Android domination, saying the platform tops Apple on price and number of vendors. The trend is expected to continue, especially in Asia where Android?s presence on low-end devices ? from makers like Huawei and ZTE ? add to its massive activation numbers.
Apple, with its single iPhone model, hasn?t flourished in Asia, where the high price-point limits expansion into emerging markets.
Meanwhile, Samsung and HTC plan to release high-end flagship devices ? such as the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and HTC Elite ? which run ?Ice Cream Sandwich,? latest version of Android. Both manufacturers, which also release low-end devices, have surpassed Apple in shipments, partly a portfolio of products.
Android?s open-source OS contributed to its massive activation numbers, but it also has drawbacks. Malware continually plagues the platform and infected apps regularly appear on Android market. The security risk may hinder Google?s dive into mobile payments if consumers perceive Android as insecure.
Rivals, including a new line of Windows smartphones, are expected to ramp up competition next year.
Want the scoop on mobile news? Subscribe to our Facebook or Twitter page. This post originally appeared at Mobiledia.
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