Global Smartphone & OS Market Share 2025: Brands vs Platforms

Worldwide Market Share of Phone Manufacturers and Operating Systems in 2025

Introduction: Market Share Tells the Story of Power

In 2025, the global smartphone market is defined by two layers of competition: the battle between phone manufacturers like Samsung, Apple, and Xiaomi, and the larger war between mobile operating systems, namely Android and iOS. Together, these numbers explain not only which brands are selling more devices, but also which platforms dominate consumer behavior worldwide.

By combining shipment share, usage share, and OS distribution, we get a full picture of the industry. Samsung and Apple lead the hardware race, but the operating system data reveals a deeper story: Android maintains the majority of global share, while iOS continues to outperform in revenue and premium user bases.

Global Smartphone Market Share by Manufacturer in 2025

In Q2 2025, worldwide shipments totaled nearly 300 million units. The top five manufacturers by shipment share were:

• Samsung: 19.7%

• Apple: 15.7%

• Xiaomi: 14.4%

• vivo: 9.2%

• Transsion: 8.5%

• Others (OPPO, Honor, Motorola, Realme, etc.): 32.6%

Shipment data captures momentum — who is winning in a given quarter. Samsung continues to lead by balancing premium and budget devices. Apple ranks second, with strong performance in North America and Japan. Xiaomi, vivo, and Transsion demonstrate the strength of value-focused strategies in emerging markets.

Usage Share: Installed Base vs New Shipments

Looking at installed base share, Apple performs far better than its shipment ranking suggests. Apple accounts for about 24% of active smartphones worldwide, compared to Samsung’s ~19%. This gap highlights the longevity of iPhones, long software update cycles, and a powerful resale market.

Android manufacturers like Samsung and Xiaomi sell more devices overall, but usage is fragmented across multiple brands. By contrast, iOS consolidates all its share under Apple, making it more powerful in developer economics, app monetization, and premium services.

The Operating System Split in 2025

At the operating system level, the competition is even clearer:

• Android: ~72–73% of worldwide smartphone usage share

• iOS (Apple): ~24–25%

• Other OS (HarmonyOS, KaiOS, legacy systems): ~2–3% combined

Android remains the global leader thanks to its presence across hundreds of devices, from $100 entry-level phones in Africa to Samsung’s $1,800 foldables. iOS holds a much smaller percentage of devices but captures the most profitable market segments, particularly in developed countries.

This divide explains the dual narrative of 2025: Android dominates in scale, iOS dominates in value.

How Manufacturers Map to Operating Systems

Samsung and Android

Samsung is the largest Android manufacturer, with almost one-fifth of global shipments. Its success ensures Android maintains dominance, especially across Europe, India, and Latin America. Samsung also builds differentiation with its One UI software layer and AI-powered features.

Apple and iOS

Apple is the sole manufacturer for iOS. Its 15–16% shipment share translates directly into 24% of global OS usage share. Every iPhone sold strengthens iOS without fragmentation, giving Apple leverage in app ecosystems, developer loyalty, and service revenues.

Xiaomi, vivo, OPPO, and Transsion

These companies collectively make up the majority of Android shipments outside Samsung. They target mid-range and budget markets, expanding Android’s presence in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Their scale drives Android’s global majority share, even though no single company matches Apple in brand loyalty.

Huawei and HarmonyOS in China

Huawei has staged a comeback in China, regaining nearly 18% domestic share in Q2 2025. Most of Huawei’s new devices now ship with HarmonyOS, its self-developed platform. While HarmonyOS adoption is strong in China, its global share remains small compared to Android and iOS. Still, it shows how geopolitical factors can reshape OS competition at the regional level.

Why OS Share Is as Important as Manufacturer Share

Focusing only on manufacturers risks missing the bigger picture. For example, developers prioritize OS share, since apps are built for platforms, not brands. Advertisers measure engagement differently on Android vs iOS, with iOS users often generating higher ad revenue per user. Ecosystem services like app stores, digital payments, and cloud backups scale with OS, not just brand.

This means that even if Xiaomi sells more devices than Apple in some quarters, Apple’s control of iOS ensures it remains more influential in the global mobile ecosystem.

Regional OS Trends in 2025

North America and Japan

iOS dominates with over 50% share. In the U.S., Apple commands both shipments and installed base, shaping app development and consumer spending patterns.

Europe

Android leads overall, thanks to Samsung, Xiaomi, and OPPO. Apple holds a strong premium niche, with iPhones often outselling individual Android brands in Western Europe.

China

Huawei’s HarmonyOS has become a local powerhouse, while iOS faces increasing competition. Apple ranked only fifth in shipments in Q2 2025.

India and Southeast Asia

Android dominates, led by vivo, Samsung, and Xiaomi. iOS maintains a premium niche but lags far behind in volume.

Africa

Transsion’s Android devices dominate, making Africa one of Android’s strongest regions globally.

AI Smartphones and Their Impact on OS Share

The defining 2025 trend is the rise of AI smartphones. Both Android and iOS have aggressively integrated AI features like real-time translation, generative photo editing, and predictive app suggestions.

The difference lies in delivery:

• Android: AI features vary by brand (Samsung, Xiaomi, vivo all market unique AI functions).

• iOS: Apple integrates AI consistently across its ecosystem, ensuring all iPhone 16 devices carry the same capabilities.

This unified experience makes iOS attractive for developers, while Android benefits from experimentation across many manufacturers.

Infographic: Global Market Share 2025

This side-by-side infographic shows the global market share of smartphone brands in Q2 2025 alongside the worldwide operating system distribution. Together, they provide a clear visual of the competition between manufacturers and platforms.

Future Outlook: Who Wins the Next Phase?

Samsung is expected to hold leadership in Android shipments, pushing AI and foldables. Apple will continue to expand iOS engagement, monetization, and installed base longevity. Xiaomi is positioned to nibble further at Apple’s shipment share, especially in markets without carrier subsidies. vivo and OPPO will compete aggressively in India and Southeast Asia, where most growth is concentrated. Transsion will expand into new territories while maintaining its grip on Africa. Huawei may remain confined to China, but HarmonyOS could pressure Android’s dominance there. Google Pixel continues to expand in premium niches, demonstrating how smaller players can influence perception even with modest shipments.

At the OS level, Android will continue to lead in unit share, iOS will continue to lead in revenue share and influence, and HarmonyOS could expand regionally but remain under 5% worldwide.

Key Takeaways for 2025

Samsung and Apple remain the global leaders, but Xiaomi, vivo, and Transsion are powerful challengers. Android dominates globally with ~72% share, but Apple’s iOS captures most of the profit. AI smartphones are the defining trend of 2025, with both OS ecosystems racing to define the future of smart devices. Regional differences matter: iOS rules in North America and Japan, Android dominates in India and Africa, and HarmonyOS reshapes China. Developers and advertisers should track OS share first, since apps and services are built for platforms, not brands.

Conclusion

The global smartphone industry in 2025 is a story of dual battles. On one hand, Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, vivo, and Transsion fight quarterly shipment wars. On the other hand, Android and iOS remain locked in a long-term OS battle. Together, these numbers explain the true balance of power.

Consumers gain more choice than ever: premium iPhones with integrated AI, versatile Samsung devices spanning price tiers, Xiaomi’s value-driven handsets, vivo’s youth-focused models, and Transsion’s affordable devices in emerging markets. Meanwhile, operating systems shape the long-term future, determining which apps, services, and ecosystems will thrive.

By combining manufacturer and OS perspectives, it’s clear that while Android dominates in numbers, iOS dominates in profitability and loyalty. That tension will define the next stage of the global smartphone market.

How to Extend iPhone Battery Life & Signal

Your iPhone is one of the most important tools you use every day, but nothing is more frustrating than running out of battery or losing signal when you need it most. While Apple continuously improves hardware and software, users can still face challenges with battery drain and weak reception. The good news is that there are many practical strategies to extend your iPhone’s battery life and improve its signal strength. This article covers the best methods, from built-in settings to lifestyle changes and accessories, so you can get the most out of your device.

Why Battery Life and Signal Go Hand-in-Hand

Most people don’t realize that poor reception can directly impact battery life. When your iPhone struggles to maintain a cellular signal, it uses more power to stay connected to the network. Similarly, background processes, app refreshes, and constant notifications can drain the battery unnecessarily. Understanding this relationship helps explain why optimizing both battery life and signal strength leads to better performance overall.

1. Adjust Screen Brightness and Display Settings

The iPhone’s display is one of the biggest battery consumers. Lowering brightness or enabling auto-brightness can save significant energy. You can also enable Dark Mode, which reduces power consumption on OLED screens by using darker pixels. Reducing the auto-lock time ensures your screen doesn’t stay on longer than necessary. Small tweaks to display settings can extend daily usage without affecting your experience.

2. Manage Background App Refresh

Background App Refresh allows apps to update content even when you’re not using them, but it consumes both data and power. Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and turn it off completely or restrict it to Wi-Fi only. Limiting this feature prevents unnecessary updates, preserves battery life, and reduces background signal usage.

3. Use Low Power Mode

Apple’s built-in Low Power Mode is designed to extend battery life when your charge drops below 20%, but you can activate it anytime for better efficiency. This feature reduces background activity, mail fetch, automatic downloads, and some visual effects. For people on the go, keeping Low Power Mode on during travel days or long commutes can make a noticeable difference in how long the phone lasts.

4. Update iOS Regularly

Each iOS update often includes performance and efficiency improvements. Outdated software may drain battery faster or handle signals less efficiently. Always keep your iPhone updated to the latest version of iOS. You can enable automatic updates under Settings > General > Software Update. Staying current ensures you benefit from Apple’s battery optimizations and bug fixes.

5. Turn Off Location Services When Not Needed

Location tracking is another heavy drain on your iPhone. Many apps request location access even when it’s unnecessary. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and review which apps have access. Set most apps to “While Using” instead of “Always” to prevent constant GPS usage. This adjustment saves power while maintaining functionality for apps that truly need location data.

6. Limit Push Notifications

Push notifications keep you connected, but they also force your iPhone to wake up frequently, draining battery and requiring network access. Disable unnecessary notifications in Settings > Notifications. Grouping notifications and limiting them to essentials like messaging and calendar alerts can reduce interruptions, save power, and improve signal efficiency.

7. Switch Between Wi-Fi and Cellular Strategically

Your iPhone often uses more power when searching for cellular signals in weak coverage areas. If Wi-Fi is available, connect to it, as it consumes less battery. Conversely, if the Wi-Fi connection is poor, turning it off prevents your phone from constantly switching between Wi-Fi and cellular. Being mindful of when to use each connection helps extend both battery life and signal stability.

8. Optimize Signal Strength

Signal strength plays a major role in both connectivity and battery performance. If you’re in an area with weak reception, your iPhone works harder to stay connected. To improve signal:

• Move closer to a window or higher floor in a building.

• Avoid thick walls, elevators, or basements that block signals.

• Use Wi-Fi calling when cellular strength is low.

• Consider a signal booster if you live in an area with consistently poor reception.
  By improving reception, you reduce the workload on your iPhone and conserve battery power.

9. Disable Unnecessary Wireless Features

Features like Bluetooth, AirDrop, and Hotspot are convenient but consume energy even when not in use. Turn them off from Control Center when you don’t need them. Similarly, AirPlay scanning and background Wi-Fi activity can drain battery if left running. Minimizing unused wireless functions helps your iPhone run more efficiently.

10. Manage App Usage and Close High-Drain Apps

Some apps are notorious for consuming battery, especially social media and streaming platforms. You can check battery usage in Settings > Battery to identify which apps are using the most power. Closing high-drain apps or limiting their screen time helps conserve energy. For navigation apps that require constant GPS, consider downloading offline maps to reduce both data and battery drain.

11. Enable Airplane Mode in Dead Zones

When you’re in an area with no service, your iPhone continuously searches for a signal, which quickly drains the battery. Turning on Airplane Mode prevents this constant searching. You can still enable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth manually if needed. This tip is particularly useful during flights, rural travel, or underground commutes where signal is unreliable.

12. Use Optimized Battery Charging

Apple’s Optimized Battery Charging feature extends battery health over the long term. Found in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging, this feature learns your charging routine and reduces wear by limiting charge beyond 80% until you need it. Maintaining long-term battery health ensures your iPhone continues to hold a strong charge for years.

13. Invest in Accessories for Better Performance

Sometimes hardware solutions are the best answer. A portable power bank can keep your iPhone charged during long days without outlets. External signal boosters or case-integrated antennas can help in low-coverage areas. Quality charging cables and adapters ensure efficient charging, which reduces battery stress over time. While accessories cost extra, they provide reliable solutions for extending both battery and signal.

14. Restart Regularly and Reset Settings if Needed

Restarting your iPhone once a week clears memory, closes lingering processes, and refreshes connections. If you experience persistent signal or battery issues, resetting network settings can help. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings to clear outdated connections. This often improves both connectivity and efficiency without erasing personal data.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many users unintentionally reduce battery life and signal quality. Avoid overcharging your iPhone overnight, as constant high-voltage charging generates heat. Don’t use cheap charging accessories, which can damage the battery. Similarly, avoid placing your phone in tight pockets or bags with metal objects, as this can weaken signal reception. By steering clear of these mistakes, you prolong both performance and device health.

Conclusion

Extending your iPhone’s battery life and improving signal strength is possible with a mix of smart settings adjustments, mindful usage, and occasional hardware support. From managing background activity and optimizing display brightness to improving signal with boosters or Wi-Fi calling, small changes add up to big improvements. By following these strategies, you can enjoy a longer-lasting iPhone that keeps you connected when it matters most. A well-optimized device not only saves time and frustration but also extends the overall lifespan of your phone, ensuring it remains a dependable companion in your daily life.

What Happened to Cellular Phones & What Is In The Future?

What was the first cellular phone?

A Guide to Smartphone vs Laptop

Sometimes, it’s hard to believe the actual amount of technology that has come into people’s daily lives. Though technology has been a part of the everyday household for a while, smartphones have really taken this to the next level. 

With the majority of the world now owning a smartphone, it’s rare to find a time in the day, week, month or year that you will find yourself disconnected in any significant way. For this reason, and due to the power of many modern smartphones, it’s natural to question whether or not you need any other device. 

With smartphones meeting so many of your needs, 

Smartphones 

If 20 years ago, you told someone that almost everyone would have a little computer in their pocket that they can use whenever they like, you would have probably been laughed at. 

This is very much the case in the modern-day, with people spending hours a day on their phones. With so many apps and connections getting better in even the most rural locations, it’s difficult to find something your smartphone can’t do. 

While they can do much of the work that many would use a laptop for, where smartphones truly shine is with their portability. From using a navigation app when roaming a new city to texting your loved ones when out and about, smartphones are so easy to take with you, no matter where you go. 

Laptops 

Laptops can be more powerful a lot of the time too, so can take on a bigger workload should you need it. A quick browse through somewhere like Lenovo.com will give you so many laptop options, depending on your needs. 

It’s safe to say that laptops are now the king of the computer world, as they outnumber desktops by quite a bit. They are very popular among both remote and office workers, as they often provide the full power of a desktop from the comfort of sitting on your lap. 

When smartphones can do so much, why opt for a laptop? 

Though you could do a lot of the work you do on your laptop from your phone, the main thing to consider is comfortability. Working on a small screen can get difficult after a while, not to mention the benefits a physical keyboard can bring.  

Conclusion 

Although they both have their benefits and smartphones are more common among the average individual, one is certainly not a replacement for the other. 

Where they truly shine, is when used together for different things. Write work emails and make calls on your phone whilst on the go but leave the heavier stuff to your laptop. As the world becomes more digital, and many workers become more remote, there really is a place for both of these devices in your home. 

Whether you buy both from the same brand, or mix and match, they always bring their own benefits to the table. 

Most Popular Smartphone Applications

The World’s Most Used Cell Phone Apps

Cell phone apps have no doubt changed the way we communicate, work, and go about our daily lives. While social media and gaming apps are some of the most popular around, we also use applications to find a date, navigate to a new destination, set tasks and reminders, and listen to music. But just what apps are we using the most? Let’s take a closer look:

Zoom

Over the past year, when the world has been thrust into chaos and many businesses have had to rely on employees working from home, Zoom has become one of the most frequently downloaded mobile applications. The app allows users to make video conferencing calls to friends, family and colleagues and is also being used by many for the streaming of conferences and webinars.

Facebook

Despite the influx of a range of new social media channels such as TikTok and Instagram, Facebook remains the most downloaded and used social media application. Users on Facebook can not only post about their daily ongoings but also connect to friends and families, join groups that share likeminded interests, or even sell and buy gadgets, gear and home products through the Marketplace feature. Alongside Facebook, Facebook’s Messenger also makes it into the list of the top 5 downloaded apps in the world.

The Facebook owned Instagram is a picture and video centric social media platform that is the second most popular cell phone application in the world.

Some of the other most popular social media applications include Snapchat and Twitter.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp remains the most popular chat application in the world. This despite a recent change to their privacy policy which caused an uproar around the globe and caused many to move their chat services to competitors such as Telegram. The app allows users to freely chat, call and connect with contacts on a global level using the internet or mobile data. Its video call, emoji, status and chat deletion features are some of the reasons why WhatsApp remains so popular with users.

Uber

Uber is the world’s most popular cab hiring and ride sharing application available for smart phones. The app offers users a safe, convenient, and cost-effective solution for hailing a ride, no matter where they are in the world. The app is location based and works on most cell phone devices that have GPS enabled. Uber has also created a whole industry that rivals traditionally set up taxi services in cities around the world and it means you can play at Black Lotus Casino while you get driven to your destination.

UC Browser

UC Browser is the world’s dominating mobile browser application. The web browser was developed by UCWeb and is one of the most popular mobile browsers, particularly in China and Indonesia. It has a simple interface that pairs well with any phone, allowing users to easily surf the web, download content and watch videos. It is also comes with a built in ad-blocker which is one of the reasons why it is so popular and is available in a mini version which is suitable for devices with low memory.

Record Breaking Facts About Cellphones

Cellphones are part of our every day lives with our mobile devices accompanying us wherever we may go. And while most of us don’t give a second thought to the capability of these little computers, taking it for granted that they will do what we need them to in the times we need them to do it, others have pushed their mobile phone to the limit.  

Keep reading to discover some record-breaking facts about mobile phones:

·       The highest mobile phone call was placed at an altitude of 8,848 metres or 29,029 feet. The call was made by United Kingdom’s Rod Baber on the 21^st of May 0017 from the summit of Mount Everest in Nepal using his Motorola MOTO Z8. The call which lasted 1 minute and 48 seconds, cost Mr Baber just £2.39 ($4.72). Mr Baber also holds the record for the highest text message sent.

·      The largest mobile phone ever created was launched as part of a marketing stunt on the 11^th of March 2009 by the creative agency Neverstop in Chicago, Illinois. The phone, which was a Samsung SCH-r450, measured a whopping 4.57 x 3.42 x .74 metres (15 x 11.2 x 2.5 feet) and was fully functional. The LED display on the phone alone measured 1.72 x 1.39 metres (5.8 x 4.7 feet), with the entire device weight a hefty 158.76 kg (350 lb).

·       The youngest video mobile game app developer is just seven years old. Philadelphia citizen, Zora Ball, created a game which sees a ballerina searching for a jewel while trying to avoid a vampire, using open source gaming software Racket. The game was created for a project at the Harambee Institute of Science and Technology Charter School. The girl was even able to reprogramme parts of the app in front of a live audience to prove it was in fact herself that had created the app.

·       A Chinese citizen named Xia Yan holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest time taken to type the alphabet on a touchscreen mobile phone. He achieved the record, which currently stands at 3.91 seconds in Xi'an, Shaanxi, China, on 20 February 2020.

·       The best-ever selling mobile phone is the Nokia 1100. To date, over 250 million units of this phone have been sold around the globe. This phone is also considered one of the toughest phones ever created.

·       The most expensive mobile phone in the world costs 95.5 million dollars – that’s a huge sum of money, just like the jackpots you can win at Lucky Creek. The phone, which features a case made of 18-carat gold, is a Falcon Supernova Pink Diamond iPhone 6. It is so named because it also features a pink diamond on the back side. A more affordable version of this phone is also available for 48.5 million dollars.

·       In 2013 a Google Nexus phone was launched into space by the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom. The idea behind launching the phone into space was to check its ability to control satellites while also determining the resistance of its various components to the vacuum of space.

The Best Smartphones For Photography

The Best Camera Phones Of 2021

For most of us our smartphone is more than a device used for making and receiving calls and messages. For many, it is the trusty camera we keep in our pocket. We use it for chronicling our daily activities, storing our memories in photos and videos. Many of us even use these images for work purposes, either to share social media snippets of our companies with users online or just to record vital information. Thus, it’s important that our phone has a decent camera.

So, if you’re looking for a new phone this year, then you’ll want to consider one of the below options whose cameras are sure to beat out the rest:

iPhone 12 Pro Max

The new iPhone 12 Pro Max is no doubt one of the best camera phones money can buy this year. Its 12MP wide camera features a large sensor that allows in more light, allowing for improved picture quality. The ultra-wide lens also allows for a 120-degree field of view, perfect for taking it all in. The camera is also fitted with a sensor-shift image stabilization system which is ideal for filming video. In addition, a LiDAR sensor is built into the camera which allows for great portrait taking, even in night mode. For those who use their photos for work purposes, ProRAW mode allows for flexible editing.

While the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the ultimate option from iPhone for 2021, the manufacturer’s iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini still offer fantastic features for a lesser price tag. The video is particularly impressive on these phones, recording 4K HDR video and Dolby Vision video, capped at 30 FPS.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

The last Samsung Galaxy phone builds even further on their predecessor’s success when it comes to offering excellent picture quality. The phone's camera is made from two telephoto lenses, one with three times optical zoom, while the other allows for ten times optical zoom. What this means is increased zooming capability to capture finer details. This smartphone from Samsung also has enhanced software features that allow for several unique options such as capturing slow-motion videos and taking pictures from the front and rear cameras at the same time.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra features a primary 108-megapixel sensor which has been greatly improved using a dedicated laser autofocus sensor. It offers 5x optical zoom and 50x digital zoom, which offers more flexibility than the iPhone options although the light capability isn’t quite as good. This particular device is also known for offering exceptional battery life so you can rest easy knowing your phone won’t let you down when you need it most, even if you have been out shooting with it for most of the day.

Vivo X50Pro

For anyone looking for a good camera phone option that doesn’t come from the giants of Samsung and iPhone, the Vivo X50Pro is a good option. This beautifully built piece of equipment makes playing online slots for real money simple and features a main 48MP camera that is mounted on a mechanical gimble. This allows you to maintain focus on your target even when moving or shaking, making it great for the not-so-steady video taker. It also allows for low-light photos that knock the socks off some of its competitors.

Smartphones And Their Usage In America

Interesting Facts About Smartphone Usage In The United States

Just like in the rest of the world, smartphones are an integral part of daily life in the United States. Smartphones influence the way people communicate, research, and share information in both their personal and professional capacity. Recently, the Pew Research Center, has conducted some surveys to determine just how people in the United States are using their phones. Here are some interesting findings from their reports:

1. 77% of Americans own a cell phone

Three-quarters of adults living in the United States own a cell phone. This figure is up from just 35% in 2011. What this means is that the mobile phone has been one of the most adopted forms of technology in recent history. As expected, the younger generation is much more likely to own a cell phone, with 92% of adults aged between 18 and 29 years old owning a device. In addition, 51% of homes with young adults include three or more devices. Of the adults aged 65 and older on the other hand, only 42% own a mobile phone.

2. Diverse mobile phone usage

Most Americans use their phones for more than just calling and messaging. Common cell phone usage includes accessing emails, social networking, taking pictures or video, checking news, watching videos, playing games, navigating with maps, playing online Blackjack and listening to music or podcasts.

28% of mobile phone users in the States have used their devices to look for a job, while 9% have used their device to try and find a partner on a mobile dating app. In addition, a large percentage of users also use their phones to read e-books, while 62% of Americans have used their phone to get information about a health condition. 51% of users also report using their smartphone to shop online, while 45% have used their device to look up reviews about a purchase they want to make. In addition, 57% of smartphone users in the United States have used their device for online banking, 44% have looked for a place to live using their phone and 40% have used their phone to search for government services of information.

3.  A growing reliance on smartphones

Studies show that there has been a growing reliance on smartphones in the United States. 12% of Americans rely on their smartphone only to access the internet. This is particularly the case with lower-income families. 55% of Americans also subscribe to news alerts on their phones, while 30% have attended an educational course using their phone. 89% of American phone users also said they have used their phones in a social setting.

However, despite this growing reliance on phones, 28% of Americans do not use the safety devices on their phones, such as screen lock. Also, 14% of users say they never update their phone, while 40% say they only do updates when it is convenient for them. 46% of smartphone owners also believed that if necessary, their device is something they could live without. 

Crazy Facts About Mobile Phones

A Brief History Of The Modern Smartphone

Today, smartphones are like an extension of our body. They are not just used to make calls and send messages but to update the world on social media, keep track of our movements and appointments, provide our brains with extra memory, store our most important documents and keep us up to date on world knowledge and news.

While we might not remember a world without smartphones, they are in fact quite a recent invention. Let’s take a closer look at a brief history of these now commonplace devices:

The first mobile phone

A patent for a wireless telephone was first issued in Kentucky in 1908. However, this patent was more like a two-way radio than the smartphones we know and use today.

The very first actual phone call made from a mobile phone was done so by Martin Cooper, an engineer at Motorola on the 3^rd of April 1973. Cooper made a call to rival engineer Joel Engel of AT&T from the streets of New York. The phone call, which was made using a prototype of Motorla’s DynaTAC model, was immediately followed by a press conference to confirm the achievement. The phone was only released to the market ten years later, becoming the first handheld mobile phone available.

While you might think today’s phones are expensive, the first mobile phones went on sale to the public for $4,000 each.

While mobile phones have changed dramatically to that first phone call in the 70s, the first smartphone wasn’t introduced until 1997. The Ericsson GS88 Penelope model has been created as being the world’s first smartphone.

A world obsessed

Today, there are more mobile phones in the world than there are people. It is estimated that there are more than 5,000 billion mobile phone users in the world, with each user having an average of 1.5 phones. More people in the world also have access to a mobile phone than a functional toilet.

The average person will check their mobile phone 150 times a day, or every 6 minutes. In a year we spend around 800 hours on our mobile phone, so if you check this site it only takes a minute. This obsession with mobile phone usage has led to an addiction identified as nomophobia.

Someone with nomophobia is afraid to leave home without their mobile phone and will check their phone much more than 150 daily average. Around 200,000 million people are suspected to be suffering from this disorder. Another disorder, known as ringxiety is attributed to someone that consistently hears a phone ringing even when it is not, while phubbing refers to a person who cannot focus on anything around them when busy with their mobile phone.

Smartphones replace other gadgets

Over the years smartphone have diminished the need for other gadgets. Alarm clocks, and even watches, have slowly disappeared from daily life with around 60% of previous users no longer needing these devices. Even relatively new devices, like the iPod, had a short shelf life with smartphones quickly offering the same functionality to users.

New Antenna: A Solution For Short Battery Life & Poor Signal

A new piece of research could offer welcome news for smartphone users struggling with poor signals, slow downloads, and short battery life.

Researchers at the Radio Science and Engineering Department at Finland's Aalto University have developed a digital antenna design that is expected to improve reception, data-transfer speed, and power consumption.
Currently, smartphones have multiple antennas that each work with one or several frequencies dedicated to specific smartphone applications, such as cellular reception, GPS, and Bluetooth.

The new method is set to change this approach by combining several small antenna elements together as a single aerial, which can be controlled digitally to operate at any frequency.

Viikari compares this approach to a guitar where a single open string could digitally be made to produce a different note. When one compact antenna can be used for multiple frequencies, it frees up space for the likes of larger touchscreens, thanks to smaller bezels, without sacrificing the phone's performance.

But the new digital method promises to give the antenna greater bandwidth, which results in better radiation efficiency and the 100 to 1,000 times faster data transfer speeds set as an objective for the next-generation of 5G smartphones.  Read more. 

Can Cell Phones Cause Cancer?

The expert panel that evaluates cancer risks today said that cell phones might possibly cause brain cancer.  Full Story from WebMD

The announcement comes from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Like the World Health Organization, the American Cancer Society relies on IARC for evaluation of cancer risks.

"After reviewing all the evidence available, the IARC working group classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans," panel chairman Jonathan Samet, MD, chair of preventive medicine at the USC Keck School of Medicine, said at a news teleconference. "We reached this conclusion based on a review of human evidence showing an increased risk of glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer, in association with wireless phone use."

In finding cell phones to be "possibly carcinogenic," the IARC means that heavy cell phone use might -- or might not -- cause a specific form of brain cancer called a glioma. The finding means that research is urgently needed to find out whether cell phones actually cause cancer, and how they might do it.

The IARC estimates that some 5 billion people worldwide have mobile phones. Lifetime exposure to the magnetic fields created by the phones -- particularly when they are held tightly against the head -- rapidly is increasing.

Children are at particular risk, not only because their skulls are thinner but also because their lifetime exposure to cell phones likely will be greater than the exposure of current adults.

Related Stories:
How to Measure Cell Phone Radiation Levels
Cell Phones & Cancer Risk?

Verizon & AT&T Compatible iPhone 5 LTE

Verizon & AT&T Compatible iPhone 5 LTE

Apple now how the power to do what is right for consumers.  It's about time that consumers have the ability to switch to any LTE carrier without having to buy a new phone.  The United States desperately needs a way for consumers to choose a carrier not by quality of service in their region and easily switch if that service changes.  Most mobile phone consumers around the World have the luxury of picking their smartphone first and their carrier second.  The United States is a bit backwards and the carriers control and subsidize the handset costs in order to lock customers in.

However, this could all change if Apple launches the iPhone 5 that is carrier agnostic.  LTE is designed around the World to be cross carrier compatible.  However, the US carriers seem like they are structuring the technology of phones to once again be incompatible.  The Government and FCC must regulate to make sure that LTE is compatible across carriers because consumers want to pick the best service in their area.  Increased competition is what LTE needs in order for consumers to get a fair shake.

I also really hate the way carriers are currently positioning the draconian "data caps" and screwing consumers.  This really ticks me off and is not a good sign that mobile consumers are going to have many choices in the future. The FCC needs to get involved in this process and make sure LTE phone compatibility is achieved.  Sprint and T-Mobile better hold off and stick to their unlimited data plans because I will never sign up for a data plan or contract that has data caps.   I am not convinced that LTE is that much better than HSPA+ and will have to wait and see if tablets are the reason to upgrade from 3G to 4G.  

What Android Version Do I Have?

How do you determine which Android operating system you have on your smartphone or tablet?  It is pretty easy to do, by simply clicking on Settings / About Phone.  Scroll down and look for "Android version" and there will be 3 numbers.  For example, my G2 T-Mobile smartphone has "Android 2.3.4", which would be Android Gingerbread.  The Android version code names are in alphabetical order with the most recent release being Ice Cream Sandwhich 10.3 v4.0.3 as of CES 2012.   (See versions below)

Android Ice Cream Sandwich

10.1 v4.0.1

10.2 v4.0.2

10.3 v4.0.3

Android Honeycomb

9.1 v3.0

9.2 v3.1

9.3 v3.2

9.4 v3.2.1

9.5 v3.2.2

Android Gingerbread

8.1 v2.3

8.2 v2.3.3

8.3 v2.3.4 

8.4 v2.3.5

8.5 v2.3.6

8.6 v2.3.7

Android Froyo

7.1 v2.2

7.2 v2.2.1

7.3 v2.2.2

7.4 v2.2.3

Android Eclair

6.1 v2.0

6.2 v2.0.1

6.3 v2.1

Android Donut

5 v1.6

Android Cupcake

4 1.5

Android Astro 

3 v1.1

Android Bender 

2 v1.0

Android Alpha

1

Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google used for developers of smartphones, tablets and netbooks.  Every carrier today including AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile use some derivative of the operating system on their Android phones.  Unfortunately, the complexity of Android versions on the market has made marketing the phones confusing to many consumers.  Unlike Apple which has a closed development platform, Google has an open development platform that allows bleeding edge developers and manufacturers to stretch the limits of the software.

Carriers are typically several versions behind rolling out the new features of the system.  If you are wondering what new features have been added in the new Android version see this link of Android version features.  It can often take up to a year or more of testing before the new versions are automatically downloaded and upgraded into phones.  You can also check under System Updates under settings to see if you have any updates available.  

Twins Fans Get Free "TWiFi" at Target Field

Free WiFi at Target Field in Minneapolis

Must Have Consumer Electronics for 2011

• 
  Survey Conducted by SmartBrief.com
  
  
  What will be the must-have electronics in 2011?

  Tablet	46.42%
  Streaming video box or app	19.89%
  Smartphone	10.88%
  Not sure	10.08%
  3DTV	9.02%
  E-reader	3.71%

• Primary reason for to connecting device to WiFi or 4G?

  find exact content	41.47%
  no more wires in living room	20.74%
  cheap content	18.89%
  its new	14.75%

China Mobile Phone Text Virus is Spreading

Smartphone Wifi security and now viruses on cellphones are something new to worry about.  It looks like China has now been hit by a particularly difficult "zombie" virus.  Shanghai Daily, says a so-called "zombie" virus disguised as an anti-virus app has infected more than one million cellphone users in China. It has left mobile phone users vulnerable to the malicious hackers. The "zombie" virus is hidden in a fake anti-virus app. Once the app is installed, the virus sends all of the names and phone numbers on a user's SIM card to the hackers, who then automatically take control of the phone, sending spam texts out to recipients.

The texts include lots of links that infect other phones with the same virus. The texts are also sent to pay-to-text phones that suck those users dry of messaging fees. The virus has spread to 1 million users, and continues to run rampant on mobile networks. The government is having a difficult time finding the hackers, but the Chinese National Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team Center is working to get to the bottom of it.

Its not clear which mobile phones or mobile operating systems are experiencing the virus problems but would appreciate any feedback from users who have some insight into this.

Are Smartphones Secure on Wifi Hotspots?

Smartphone Security on Open Wifi Networks

Are smartphones secure on open wifi networks or are they vulnerable to attacks like PCs and laptops are?  As mobile phone users start preferring to offload data to wifi will security be the fear factor sales pitch? Hotspot shield has garnered lots of attention around the world and still remains one of the most downloaded applications for laptops.  However, is the threat the same for using on iPhone or Anroid phones?  My gut tells me its still a conspiracy similar to all of the large anti-virus companies who have benefited from the worms and viruses.  I still have yet to hear about one concrete example of a phone user getting hacked while using a smartphone at a hotspot or while offloading data from an application.  We searched for "hotspot shield" in the Android marketplace and didn't find anything.

Can smartphone users connecting to unencrypted Wi-Fi hotspots be compromised by attackers using an existing tools?  Can usernames and password combinations be captured?  We would like to hear from industry experts if this is true and we would like to see some examples or video.