Androids have taken over Phl

MANILA, Philippines - Just like in the “Transformer” movies robots attack the Earth, Androids have taken over the Philippines. But these are not the Androids or robots designed to look or act like humans but the Android operating software used in mobile phones.

GfK, one of the world’s largest research firms, said Google-owned mobile operating software – Android - now powers most smartphones in the Philippines with a commanding 82.2 percent market share.

A study conducted by GfK last April showed that the critically-acclaimed operating software enjoyed a near threefold rise from 2011, officially dethroning a long-time market leader and competitor for the first time in history.

GfK’s study further reveals that despite average smartphone prices being pegged below P7,500, close to 95 percent of these are equipped with High Speed Packet Access Plus (HSPA+) technology similar to more expensive handsets.

HSPA+ allows for speeds of up to 21Mbps making it the ideal connection technology for multimedia-capable mobile devices. With such bandwidth, mobile users can surf the web, upload photos, and download their favorite mobile apps and movies seamlessly and hassle-free.

Orlando Vea, chief wireless advisor of PLDT-controlled Smart Communications Inc., said leading wireless services provider has taken keen interest survey and is now providing mobile phones equipped with the popular software.

“Filipinos have spoken and they have chosen Android. We have the widest selection of Android devices in the Philippines and we are proud to offer the best services alongside these best devices on the country’s best network,” Vea stressed.

He pointed out that Smart has more than 1,500 HSPA+ sites nationwide covering all major Philippine cities and municipalities.

“What’s more, we are the only telco that offers this cutting edge service in dual band making it more reliable and stable compared to the competition,” he explained.

Despite the Android’s phenomenal growth however, Vea highlights that there is still much ground left to be conquered.

The GfK report shows that regular feature phones still have a 70.6 percent stronghold in the Philippine market while smartphones are relegated to a 29.4 percent slice of the pie.

It is in this light that Smart has created Smart Developer Network (also known as SMART DevNet), a program that encourages local apps development for mobile using various programming languages and platforms.

It aims to be a catalyst for the development of a vibrant developer community, creating apps for the benefit of smartphone users.

“Smartphones have come a long way, but for us to realize our vision of putting the power of the Internet into the hands of every Filipino, we will need to be more aggressive. We believe that Android will help us lead the charge,” he said.

Smart is the Philippines’ leading wireless services provider with 50.6 million subscribers on its GSM network as of end-March. Smart Broadband, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, offers a wireless broadband service with over 1.6 million subscribers.