Will Google own the smartphone business?

Google's Android has surpassed Nokia's system to become the leading smartphone platform in the world. Is Android poised for worldwide domination?

Many Android-powered mobile phones such as Verizon's Droid (center) come with Google applications pre-installed.
(Image credit: Google.com/mobile)

Research company Canalys reported yesterday that sales of Google's Android platform surpassed Nokia's Symbian operating system, the "longtime champion" in the mobile phone world, in the final quarter of 2010. Apple's iPhone was third. Is Google's Android destined to dominate the smartphone industry, leaving Apple and all other competitors in its dust?

Google has made huge strides: Android's success in the final quarter of 2010 is a "milestone" for the smartphone system, says Devindra Hardawar at Venture Beat. It was "bound to become king eventually," thanks to it's being free and available across a range of devices. But "it's certainly a surprise to see it gain the top smartphone spot so soon."

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