81% of android-based devices shipped globally last year: Study

NEW DELHI: Android dominated the global smartphone market last year with one billion units shipped worldwide and the devices accounting for 81 percent of all smartphones shipped last year, followed by Apple (15 percent market share) and Microsoft (with 3 percent), according to Strategy Analytics.

"Many users choose Android over other OS-based devices because first, the devices can be relatively cheap; second, it’s known for fast and efficient data storage and third, it’s available across different form factors, brands, and price points,” said Paul Oliveria, researcher of Trend Micro. Moreover, Android is popular among mobile developers and manufacturers for its capacity to house innovative app development without licensing fees and its simple, yet powerful Software Development Kit (SDK).

But at the same time as Google wants to empower users and developers as much as possible, the very freedom makes Android a viable platform cybercriminals and hackers want to exploit. Android users can expect to run into a few problems from time to time and their device and the data in it can be stolen, spied on, and used by cybercriminals if they aren’t careful. “Because the mobile landscape is ever-changing, securing mobile device can be tedious. In the virtual world where hackers and cybercriminals are hard to trace, you are the only one who can make sure your device and the data in it is well protected,” Paul said.

Also Read: 7 things you need to know to secure your android device