Android continues to gain power in smartphone war

Google’s Android operating system has continued to gain steam in the smartphone war, with research firm Gartner releasing new figures showing Android handsets sold 20.5 million units in the third quarter.

The figure gives Android a market share of 25.5%, compared to a share of just 3.5% during this time last year. It is now second to Nokia’s Symbian, which counted 29.5 million sales and a 36.6% share.

Apple’s iOS took the next highest figure of 13.5 million, with a 16.7% market share, down from 17.1% a year ago. Research In Motion took fourth place, with 11.9 million sales and a share of 14.8%.

“Smartphone (operating system) providers have entered a period of accelerated platform evolution, stimulated by more regular product releases, new platform entrants and new device types,” principal research analyst Roberta Cozza said in a statement.

“Any platform that fails to innovate quickly – either through a vibrant multi-player ecosystem or clear vision of a single controlling entity – will lose developers, manufacturers, potential partners and ultimately users.”