Windows Phone Thoughts: IDC Predicts Windows Phone Will Be Number Two Smartphone OS by 2015

"Android will take the top spot for smartphone OS worldwide in 2011, analysts IDC have predicted, pushing iOS into third place behind Symbian. As for Microsoft, while the Symbian-faithful aren't entirely convinced by Nokia's decision to climb aboard the Windows Phone train, IDC is more confident in the two companies' partnership. "By 2015, IDC expects Windows Phone to be number 2 operating system worldwide behind Android," senior research analyst Ramon Llamas predicts."

This is a pretty bold prediction. It has been the topic of much debate since this article was released. With Symbian phasing out of the picture as Nokia embraces Windows Phone as their OS of choice, there's bound to be a new number two. Will all Symbian users shift over to Windows Phone to stay with Nokia? Will some of them move to Android or iOS? I personally think we'll see a good mix of users jumping from one platform to another over the next few years until they find the one that suits them best. Each OS provides unique experiences that may appeal to some, but not to others. It will definitely be an interesting few years, especially once Nokia starts flooding the market with Windows Phone. What do you think will happen?