Windows Phone Thoughts: WP7 Platform Shows Strong Growth In Western Europe

"The mobile phone market in Western Europe grew 3.2% year on year to 58.7 million units in the fourth quarter of 2010, with smartphone shipments representing 44% of the total... Microsoft's new Windows Phone 7 also showed strong growth, increasing 18% year on year and 100% sequentially."

IDC, provider of data to the financial market, has just issued their European Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker report for 4Q2010. Google's Android grew 1,580% year on year with sales increasing from 470,000 a year ago to 7.9 million units. Apple's iOS saw an increase of 66% in Q4 2010 when compared to Q4 2009. Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 also showed strong growth, increasing 18% year on year and 100% sequentially. IDC also stated WP7 received positive feedback from operators and end-users but its growth was limited because the OS launch was restricted to English only. Unfortunately hard numbers were not provided to go with the reported percentage growth.

Hopefully WP7 will continue to gain traction and its level of growth continue to increase. The platform's expansion to more markets in conjunction with more local language support and continued positive word of mouth will definitely help.