Google dethrones Nokia with Android smartphone: study AFP

A model displays a Sharp smartphone based on Google's Android operating system. Google's smartphone operating system Android has passed Nokia's Symbian and become the global smartphone market leader, market research company Canalys says.
HELSINKI (AFP) - – Google's smartphone operating system Android has passed Nokia's Symbian and become the global smartphone market leader, market research company Canalys said Monday.

In the fourth quarter of 2010, 32.9 million phones running Android were shipped compared to 31 million handsets running Symbian, according to Canalys.

Based on shipment figures, Google's percentage of the smartphone market share leapt from 8.7 percent in 2009 to 32.5 percent, while Nokia's shrank from 44 percent to 30.6 percent.

"But Nokia did retain its position as the leading global smartphone vendor, with a share of 28 percent," the Canalys report added.

Nokia's smartphone market share has been undermined over the past two years by the stellar rise of Apple's iPhone, RIM's Blackberry and phones running Android such as those produced by Samsung and HTC.

According to Canalys, Apple's market share remained around the same, at 16 percent at the end of 2010, while RIM came in fourth place with 14.4 percent and Microsoft brought up the rear with 3.1 percent.

The smartphone market itself grew by nearly 89 percent in 2010, with 101.2 million handsets sold, said Canalys.

"2010 has been a fantastic year for the smart phone market... but vendors cannot afford to be complacent," said Canalys vice president and principal analyst Chris Jones.

"2011 is set to be a highly competitive year with vendors looking to use new technology, such as dual-core processors, NFC and 3D displays, to differentiate their products and maintain value," he added, referring to near field communication payment systems.

RED BOWL EXPRESS! and McDo for desserts

It was a laid-back Sunday yesterday. After hearing mass with beau, we thought of having lunch together. Since I didn't have the luxury of time so we just decided to  eat at  Red Bowl Express which is just across from McDonald's Rubber Basak Pardo. If my memory serves me right , I've eaten there quite several times already.  At that time, I was thinking of ordering something new to somewhat excite my taste buds. :D As a result, we ordered, sizzling sisig,  adobong kangkong and rice of course ( staple food). The foods were not that bad and I didn't really have an awesome dining experience. :D

Meanwhile, we decided to go Mcdo for our desserts. I had Oreo Hot Fudge and Strawberry McFlurry! Sweet and Satisfying, indeed! ;)

CHERRY'S HAWAIIAN SHAVE ICE

The first time I laid eyes on this store in SM already made me fascinated to death. I mean it is so amazing with all the mixed of flavors, colors and everything in between. I guess that was like 2 weeks ago, when I had the chance to finally taste and witness how it was made. It was like magic. The moment the ice crystals were shaped into a  ball, then it became so pretty with its white hue. ~ Just fantastic~! I chose 3 flavors for the ice-- blueberry, bubble gum and strawberry, their best seller! With its price, I must say it is worth it and a must try!

TWO THUMBS UP!