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Is the iPhone already stealing Android’s thunder?

Posted January 12, 2011 11:22am by Kristen Nicole Tags: Android, iPhone, Google, Trend Micro, Sophos, verizon

Stealing thunder

Android’s got some new competition at Verizon (VZ), now that Apple’s (AAPL) iPhone is on the block. While the smartphone market is still growing, the expansion of iPhone’s service providers is set to jumpstart a new spurt. Analysts are already calculating the iPhone’s impact, with Charlie Wolf of Needham & Co. saying “the iPhone will suck the wind out of Android’s growth on Verizon.”

Security issues

Another area Android is losing out to the iPhone is malware and security, with anti-virus makers Sophos and Trend Micro noting Android’s higher vulnerability to attacks than the iPhone. Social networking apps are of particular concern, as they facilitate a higher rate of content-sharing.

Companies like Sophos and Trend Micro are quick to point out security flaws or shortcomings, though a comparitive look means Android’s OS versus the iPhone’s is debatable. Nevertheless, security companies are ramping up efforts around mobile devices, with Trend Micro announcing an SMS-block and spam filter security app.

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Android OS update rumors

Android’s OS is still improving however, with rumors of an “Ice Cream” update 2.4 hitting the mill. There are very few details about a 2.4 release, confusing because it seems out of order now that we have confirmation of Google’s (GOOG) upcoming Honeycomb 3.0 updates. Whatever Ice Cream turns out to be, though, we’ll be around to report on any official news.

ReelScience

Missing

Nice smile, Kristen!

Reply to comment Posted January 12, 2011

Danielaxis

Missing

FULL DISCLAIMER: I WORK WITH GOOGLE BUT HAVE NO ASPECTS DEALING WITH ANDROID WHATSOEVER.

Sorry to say this but the points made in this article are moot and don't explain anything.

What does Android OS update rumors have to do with the iPhone stealing its thunder??

Security issues? Android is based on Linux and last time I checked, Linux rarely gets virus infected. Matter of fact, why didn't you list on of these so called "viruses" or "security flaws" that these so called security companies are "quick to point out"? Exactly! THEY HAVE NOTHING. They are only in it for the money and trying to create a fear that is just simply not there so they can sell their paid security suites to the masses. I've been with Android right from the G1 since it first came out and I have not caught (get this) ONE virus EVER. Nada. Nothing.

The only excuse or point you could make and I would agree with you is that there are still millions of dumbphone users on the Verizon network and there is this notion that iOS is somehow easier to use than Android. That IS true to an extent but not all the way. So yeah, the iPhone might come in and steal those millions away. However, don't forget that where there were millions of Apple fans on Verizon, most of them are now Android converts.

Please, stop sipping the Apple koolaid.

Reply to comment Posted January 12, 2011

peylow

Missing

Linux might be safe, but Android is not only Linux. Lets see
- More than 50 Android mobile banking apps in the Android Marketplace each targeted at a specific financial institution whose true purpose was phishing and identity theft.
- the wallpaper app that was downloaded 4 million times which maliciously forwarded user details to a location in China before being discovered.
- the Geinimi botnet app that is infecting numerous Android apps on Chinese app stopres and spreading around the world.
- Trojan-SMS.AndroidOS.FakePlayer.a, the Russian "Movie player" app that surreptitiously sent premium SMS texts from unsuspecting users
- Brand new HTC Magic phones infected with the Mariposa botnet and Conficker and a Lineage password-stealing Trojan that attepmt to infect Windows PCs when connected onver USB.
- Mobile Spy and Mobile Stealth
- SMS Message Spy Pro and SMS Message Spy Lite spyware apps

In contrast, despite hosting over a third of a million apps and 7 billion downloads, there have been Zero pieces of malware come through the iOS App Store. A 100% safety record.

Thanks to MartinHill who compiled the list.

Reply to comment Posted January 13, 2011
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