Android Struggling In Europe?

• Rob Jackson
• 15 years ago

According to research by IDC, manufacturers and carriers are pushing their Android Phones in Europe but consumers are pushing back:

“Consumers steer clear of Google’s OS and sell-out is below everyone’s expectations. Consumers recognize the Google brand, but still do not understand what Android is,” IDC analyst Francisco Jeronimo said in a statement.

In the United States I think the Motorola Droid for Verizon Wireless helped to bridge that gap of understanding, largely due to the Android/Droid naming scheme which forced the issue onto consumers. When the Motorola Droid launches as the Motorola Milestone in Europe I’m not sure it will have the same effect. Sure, it will sell like gangbusters… but that familiar “DROIIIIIIID” sound won’t be there to make you think of the word “Android”. There isn’t enough connection. Each carrier/manufacturer are building their own brand detached from the Android name and sure, you and I know what the deal is, but everyday consumers have no clue.

Meanwhile the article highlighted the powerful presence of Symbian/Nokia:

Global market leader Symbian — used extensively by Nokia — continued to be the leading operating system also in Western Europe, controlling 48 percent of the market.

If you call an old geezer clutching their walker with a grip that a butterfly could break as “controlling” than yes – I would agree. Like I’ve said for awhile now… it is only a matter of time. The sheer number of Europeans reading Phandroid and participating at Android Forums is a testament to the growing population of Android lovers in Europe. It will continue.

[Via Reuters]