Google’s Android is the most preferred smartphone operating system in the USA, according to Nielsen’s April survey of mobile consumers.

It said that 36 per cent of smartphone consumers in the USA now have an Android device, compared to 26 per cent for Apple iOS smartphones (iPhones) and 23 per cent for RIM Blackberry.

The survey has also added that Android users consume more data as compared to other device owners.
“In the first quarter of 2011, Android smartphone owners consumed an average of 582 MB of data each month, compared to 492 MB for iPhone owners,” Nielsen said.

Google announced Android as a mobile platform in November 2007. Since then it has never look back and in a very short span of time it has overtaken the giants like Apple’s iOS and RIM.

A host of reasons has been attributed to the rise of the Android such as its large number of applications, and open source nature.

Google is also quick in updating its Android operating system compared to others. So far, Google has released several versions of the OS including Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread and the latest Ice Cream Sandwich.

Windows Phone 7 has got yet another boost from Microsoft which will soon be coming up with the web based version of its App store for the platform.
The web based Windows Phone 7 Marketplace is likely to be released along with the Mango update of the smartphone operating system from Microsoft. The WP7 application store is likely to be built along the lines of Apple’s iTunes store and the Android Marketplace. The marketplace will allow the users to browse app screenshots, complete catalogue of the apps and app reviews.

Users would also be able to share their favourite apps through Twitter, Facebook or emails. Through this step, Microsoft is attempting to solve the app discovery problem as most of the app stores have so many applications that users find it difficult to find the ones they really need. For payment, the credit card of the users linked with their Windows Live ID will be used.

The moment the app is purchased, it will be downloaded over the air directly to the phone which can be installed later as per the users’ convenience. Another nice feature is ‘purchase history’, which means all the purchases made by the users are recorded on the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace. Whenever the user decides to upgrade his or her phone, all the apps will be reinstalled on the new phone.

On the app store front, the Apple and Android are still the ones who dominate the market, and the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace is Microsoft’s attempt to become more relevant in it. Apple allows some apps to be shown on the web, but the entire app store is not visible there. The web based presence of Windows Phone 7 Marketplace is important because the personal computer browsers are considered more convenient by the users. Also a web version means a bigger screen, hence more apps are visible which means users get more chances to discover the apps they need.

Apple may come out with an updated version of the iPhone 4 in June this year, which could have a SIM-less design and 8 Megapixel camera.

Japanese Mac focused blog MacOtakara, cited one of its sources as saying that Apple is working on the improved version of iPhone 4, which has the same form factor, and that it will be branded iPhone 4S, just like iPhone 3GS.

An Apple India spokesperson, however, refused to comment on the report but hinted “to look out at the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference 2011” that commences on June 6. Though there were no direct pointers shared we assume that Apple will announce iOS 5, music streaming service iCloud and a revamped MobileMe service.

Recently, chief executive officer of France Telecom, Stephane Richard, in an interview, said that Apple had been working on a SIM-less device; that the project was code named the e-SIM Project; and that the company has been considering reducing the size of the SIM module.

That’s why Apple developed the microSIM. Many telecom operators informed Apple that a SIM module is critical for the security and authentication process. Considering the pitfalls in the ambitious e-SIM project, Apple decided to continue working with a smaller SIM alongside a Dual-Mode chip.

The company is also reportedly working on the next iPhone with Qualcomm’s dual-mode chip that allows the same device to be used on GSM or CDMA networks. That means, if and when this said iPhone model is made available, one can simply buy it off-the-shelf and choose amongst GSM or CDMA service providers. It’s a win-win situation for Apple and for consumers, but not for the telecom operators.

Apple won’t have to design GSM and CDMA devices separately, just like it did for iPhone 4; and consumers will enjoy the freedom to choose between GSM or CDMA service providers – clearly more options and flexibility.

Samsung had begun rolling out Android 2.3 Gingerbread update for its Galaxy S GT-I9000 smartphone earlier this month in several regions. However, due to some bug with the update, Google stopped this roll out process. Most Gingerbread updates rolled out for the Galaxy S via forums and other sites have problems related to battery life and WiFi connectivity etc.

From today onward Galaxy S users in India are getting the Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread update through Samsung Kies desktop software. Nitish Kumar, IT infrastructure professional and Galaxy S owner, shared via Twitter the image of Kies, showing the new Gingerbread build for Galaxy S GT-I9000 devices.

The new Gingerbread update brings a user interface improvement and several other bug fixes for Galaxy S devices. Those unhappy with GPS performance or battery life can expect better results with the new Indian Gingerbread firmware I9000DDJP6 update.

Before you get ready to download the new Gingerbread update, we suggest you back up the contacts, media and all other content stored on your Galaxy S. After that you can get the update by connecting your phone to the Samsung Kies software.

Samsung Kies software can be downloaded from this page.

Smartphones are fast taking over the legacy created by feature phones. By the end of 2012 many feature phone users would have migrated to using smartphones owing to falling smartphone prices. Further, because they are becoming cheaper, and because of the improved hardware – multi core processors, dedicated graphics cards etc – that these devices have, smartphones are increasingly being used by lay users for entertainment, internet browsing etc. and aren’t restricted for official purposes alone.

Since more and more people are using smartphones there is now a range of accessories for these devices. Here we have picked five that every smartphone owner would find useful:

Holster

Smartphones that are slim and have big screens are prone to damage from falls. To prevent your smartphone from falling you could use a holster, which will also protect it from scratches and dust.

Holsters are available in a wide range: fabric holsters are the most basic and cost around Rs 500; whereas leather and synthetic holsters cost Rs 1,000 or more, and are made by reputed brands like Case Logic.

Scratch guard

Despite all you do to protect your phone’s screen from scratches, they some how appear. This is despite the manufacturer using Corning Gorilla Glass to protect the screen. A scratch guard can therefore be useful. These can be bought from the market or from scratchguard.in. Scratch guards prevent scratches as well as smudges.

Bluetooth headset

Bluetooth headsets, similar to any electronic accessory, are available across a wide price band. Basic Bluetooth headsets with decent battery backup and of a regular size cost Rs 1,000 onwards; whereas smaller headsets like the Plantronics discovery 925, are available starting at Rs 4,000.

Solar battery chargers

Smartphones, particularly those with large screens, could always do with charging. One alternative to a normal plug charger is a solar charger. It is eco-friendly and can be used in places where the electrical supply is uncertain. It is a perfect accessory for trekkers. With a 10-15 minute charge in the sun the phone will last for about 5 minutes.

Many people think that solar chargers damage the battery or reduce charge cycles, but these are urban myths.

Battery packs

A battery pack is a bigger battery that has generally three times the capacity of a usual smartphone battery.

Battery packs are available starting at Rs 1,500 in India.