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Why Your Next Phone Will be a Smartphone

By 2013, Smartphones will double their share of all mobile phones to about 20 percent, according to the latest market study by In-Stat. Global smartphone growth this year will be strong globally, but even stronger in the evolving U.S. market.

"Strong demand is being driven by device manufacturers leveraging open OS device to re-invent the mobile phone experience," says Frank Dickson, Vice President, Mobile Internet Group.

"New and prospective smartphone buyers are drawn to new mobile applications, even though the median number of applications downloaded for all platforms -- including the Apple iPhone -- is relatively modest-below five applications per user for each platform."

This research is part of In-Stat's Cellular Devices service, which provides analysis of the worldwide cellular phone market space. In addition to reporting on current and expected future worldwide handset sales, Cellular Devices provides topical coverage of the leading industry trends.

This is accomplished by combining extensive end-user primary research with analysis of component trends, applications, major phone categories, 3G deployment and other drivers that affect devices and cell phone usage.

In-Stat's market study found the following:

- Smartphone security is still inadequate and is likely to be a source of problems for users and their employers, based on In-Stat's consumer survey results.

- Almost one-third of survey respondents plan to obtain a smartphone the next time they upgrade their current phone.

- Smartphones with Linux OS (including Android) will see the highest growth and the second highest volume behind Symbian. Linux OS will outpace Windows Mobile, RIM and iPhone OSX.

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