Power to Android as Apple's sales slow

Google's Android operating system currently powers 59% of smartphones, tablets and notebooks, as industry analysts say Apple's iPhone needs a "refresh."

Research group Canalys released new findings this week, showing Android to dominate the smart mobile shipping market, while claiming Apple's strength in the smart phone and tablet PC markets accounts for its 19.3% share.

Microsoft followed in third with an 18.1% share, which Canalys says reflects its relative strength in the PC market but continued challenger status in the smart phone space.

Total smart mobile device (notebook, tablet and smart phone) shipments during the first quarter hit 308.7 million units, according to estimates, representing year-on-year growth of 37.4%.

And of the three, the tablet market continues to grow the fastest.

Worldwide, tablet shipments grew 106.1% year-on-year to 41.9 million units, and though Apple continues to lead in the tablet space with a 46.4% share, it lost share to its Android-based rivals for the third consecutive quarter.

"Spearheaded by Google and Amazon, the commoditization of the tablet market has happened far quicker than that of the wider PC market," says Tim Coulling, senior analyst, Canalys.

"Profit margins are being squeezed and vendors without a low cost structure will find it hard to compete.

"A solid range of must-have accessories and a software and services strategy are vital as vendors will increasingly need to make revenue around their devices."