By Peter Pachal For Mashable
To ring in the first day of Mobile World Congress, Google revealed some new statistics about how far its Android mobile operating system has come. Close to a million Android devices are activated every day, the company says, and there are now 450,000 apps in the Android Market.
The news comes straight from Google’s head of Android, Andy Rubin, who posted the stats on the Google Mobile Blog this morning. With 850,000 devices activated daily, Android is already 150,000 devices above the count from December, and the number represents year-over-year growth of 250%, according to the post. The estimated total of android devices in the world is now a staggering 300 million, Rubin says.
About a year ago Google had just 150,000 apps in the Android Market, but today it says there are 450,000. That’s impressive growth, but the platform still hasn’t caught up with Apple, whose iOS App Store boasts 550,000 apps officially, though some estimates go as high as 725,000. However, Android is clearly miles ahead of other rivals like Microsoft’s Windows Phone Marketplace (65,000) or BlackBerry App World (60,000).
Although the official count of Android apps is high, it bears reminding that Google counts wallpapers and “lite” versions of apps as separate apps. Microsoft, for one, says it doesn’t count such apps when tallying its count for its Windows Phone Marketplace.
SEE ALSO: Google Activates 3.7 Million Android Devices on Christmas Weekend [VIDEO]
Android’s rapid growth has a well-known price: fragmentation. With so many different devices — phones, tablets and now even gear like TVs — running Android, it’s difficult for users to know when, or even if a specific device will get an update. The latest version, Android 4.0 aka “Ice Cream Sandwich,” is intended to mitigate fragmentation somewhat but obviously it only applies to devices that ship with the OS.
Rubin also made comments about Google and tablets while at Mobile World Congress. The Verge reports that Rubin said Google plans to “double down” on tablets in 2012, making reference to the lukewarm reception Android tablets got in the marketplace in 2011. In a meeting with reporters, Rubin said the 12 million Android tablets sold thus far was “not insignificant, but less than I’d expect it to be if you really want to win.”
What’s your take on the state of Android? Unstoppable platform that will continue to dominate, or fragmented mess of an OS that needs tighter control? Sound off in the comments.
BONUS: 10 Android Pics You Must See
This slice of urban art was captured in Swindon, UK. The muted colors come courtesy of the FXCamera app, but the clever use of the arrow and great composition are John Homer's own.
Taken with: HTC Magic
This unusual Boston street scene offers lots of movement, suggested by the wheel and delivered by the blurry woman. The monotone finish helps add a sense of timelessness.
Taken with: T-Mobile G1/HTC Dream
It's the light that makes this photo extraordinary, with the brilliant sun creating reflections that add interest, as well as a nice lens flare effect. Viewing this image, you feel that Clayton Perry managed to capture the exact moment the sun came out from behind the clouds after the rain had stopped.
Taken with: HTC Hero
With the looks of an Impressionist painting, beautifully vivid colors contrast in this shot of French fields to give the photo a dream-like quality.
Taken with: HTC Desire
How often do you take the time to look up? Matt King did and it got him this fab shot.
Taken with: T-Mobile G1/HTC Dream
This amazing sunset was captured sans app by Zan McQuade, although some minor tweaks to the saturation, contrast, and brightness settings have helped make it the stunning shot it is.
Taken with: HTC EVO 4G
The popular Android Vignette app helped Lomodroid snap this surreal pic. The bright red telephone boxes against the greened-out background and the fab framing add up to a striking shot.
Taken with: Nexus One
"Looking up through the trees reminded me of Japanese art," says Nox Dineen of this wonderful photo. Almost abstract, it's a beautifully stark example of how to zoom in on an object and fill the frame with detail to create a strong image.
Taken with: HTC Hero
The setting sun just peeking out from behind a tree adds a warm radiance to this tranquil landscape, while the colors make for a lovely Autumnal palette.
Taken with: T-Mobile G1/HTC Dream
Arguably more a portrait than a city-scape, this street scene caught our eye and we just had to share it. The awkward-looking subject contrasts brilliantly with the models in the background, and who can fail to smile at a classic case of blackened tooth graffiti?
Taken with: T-Mobile G1/HTC Dream
