4 Reasons Why Android Became the Most Popular Mobile Operating System by Saket

Android is currently the most popular smartphone Operating System in the US and 2nd most used OS in the world, leaving behind iOS by Apple and Blackberry by RIM. Various factors are responsible for its popularity but there are 4 factors that hold the main key to its success:

1. It is Open Source Android, being an open source operating system, offers developers to peak into its code and develop their own versions of it. This gives an advantage to both phone manufacturers and developers. Phone manufacturers like HTC, Acer etc. can develop their own User Interface. On the other hand, it helps developers to write their own Applications or games. Talking about other operating systems, iOS by Apple and Blackberry's OS are closed source which gives less power to the developers. This is a reason why geeks love Android.
2. Its High Level of Customizability The greatest power of Android lies in its customizability. It offers both phone manufacturers and users to customize the user interface as they want to with live wallpapers, widgets, shortcuts etc. This has led to the development of HTC Sense UI by HTC, Motoblur by Motorola, TouchWiz by Samsung and many more. Each UI offers a unique experience, thus tempting users to opt for android instead of other operating systems such as iPhone or Blackberry where this is not available. Moreover, custom Launchers are also available in the App Store that gives more flexibility to Android by adding more home screens, more widgets or more effects. Another unique feature of Android, Live wallpapers are highly popular among users. They are interactive wallpapers such as a fish aquarium where one can play with the fish and many more.
3. It is More Open Structure for Inclusion of Apps In iOS, developers always have to face problems to get their application or game included into the App Store. This is another reason why developers love creating applications for Android more than for any other OS. On an average, it takes more than 2 weeks for applications to get approved by Apple. In some cases, it might be even take a month or more. For example, it took Apple a full one year to approve Google Voice app by Google.
4. Its Hardware Android is the first OS to boast dual-core processor powered phones. Phones such as Motorola Atrix, LG Optimus G2x, Samsung Galaxy S II etc give a huge advantage to Android over other OS like Symbian, iOS etc. A better processor means a better power management system which is considered to be one of the most important buying factors among users.

This is Saket who loves to surf technology related blogs. You can catch him on twitter or enjoy his collection of foobar2000 skins.