Android smartphones 'becoming prevalent'

An expert has claimed smartphones using the Google Android operating system, such as the latest HTC phones, will be a key component of the mobile market for some time to come.

Kantar Worldpanel's global consumer insight director Dominic Sunnebo said many Android handsets provide "the right functionality at the right prices" to entice consumers.

He made his comments after research published by comScore last month revealed that Android's share of the market has increased to 44.8 per cent, despite competition from BlackBerry manufacturer Research In Motion and Apple.

"I think what Android's managing to do is convert people from feature phones over to the smartphone market," Mr Sunnebo said.

He said there are now more than 100 handsets on the market using the Android system, which means consumers have a variety of options when choosing a new phone.

According to the comScore report, Android's share of the smartphone market increased by 4.6 per cent between June and September this year.