SAN MATEO, Calif., April 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, InMobi, the world's largest independent mobile ad network, revealed its monthly network data analysis findings in its Mobile Insights Report: Global Edition March 2011. The largest and most comprehensive report of its kind is based on data from the InMobi network which serves 31.9 billion monthly mobile advertising impressions to over 220 million consumers. This report now shows Android global ad impression share has surpassed iPhone OS for the first time. Although iPhone OS and Android both continue to capture share on a global basis, over the last few months Android growth has been increasing and has now surpassed that of iPhone OS.

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Commenting on the study, James Lamberti, VP Global Research & Marketing at InMobi, says, "The global smartphone revolution continues into Q2 2011. The introduction of Android has significantly accelerated smartphone growth, as it brings a wealth of options to consumers. With the increased focus on mobile from global publishers, advertisers and developers the mobile experience has reached the next phase of its evolution."

The report highlights that Android smartphones are rapidly becoming a primary gateway to digital content, as the platform provides consumers with many device options, at varying price points – creating a real alternative to the desktop or laptop. Many households across Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa rely on Android smartphones as the primary platform to consume media instead of a web-based PC.

Global Findings

Total mobile advertising impressions on the InMobi network grew by 21 percent (December 2010 to March 2011). This was driven by the large influx of smartphone impressions, which increased by 2.8 billion during the period.

Mobile phone manufacturers Samsung, Apple and HTC continued to capture share from global leader Nokia. Although Nokia still remains in the number one position with a 40 percent share of global impressions, their historical dominance is quickly eroding.  

Nokia lost -3.9 share points in just 90 days, while Samsung (+1.6 share pts), Apple (+1.9 share pts) and HTC (+2.8 share pts) gained share.  

Globally, 35 percent of all mobile ad impressions now occur on smartphones.

North America

The smartphone segment continues to grow, increasing by 50% in North America in just the last 90 days. Total mobile advertising impressions on the InMobi network grew by 21%, driven entirely by smartphone impression growth, while advanced phone impressions decreased by 19%. Three out of every four mobile impressions in North America is now on a smartphone.

iPhone OS captured +9.7 share points in March 2011, following the early February launch of the Apple iPhone on Verizon Wireless in the US. This marks the first month in recent history where iPhone OS growth has outpaced Android.  

Although iPhone OS enjoyed a boost with the Verizon launch, Android captured +4.0 share points and leads iPhone OS by 5.2 share points.

The aggressive growth of Android has given phone manufacturer HTC a huge boost (+6.1 share points) into the #2 manufacturer spot in North America, with 12.2% share of impressions.

Anne Frisbie, VP Managing Director North America, InMobi, comments: "As expected, the introduction of the Apple iPhone on Verizon has given the iOS platform a big boost against the recent Android swell, although it was not enough to retake the top position. With both platforms having strong support, the most interesting story of 2011 will be to watch what happens to Windows Phone 7 and Nokia."

You can download the latest InMobi Mobile Insights Report for free here:

www.inmobi.com/research.

InMobi Mobile Insights Report

InMobi is committed to mobile industry education and thought-leadership with its Mobile Insights program. Its reports leverage consumer surveys via mobile devices, combined with data sourced from its network across six continents and 200 countries.

About InMobi

InMobi is the world's largest independent mobile advertising network. With offices on four continents, it provides advertisers, publishers and developers with a uniquely global solution for advertising. Its network is growing fast and now delivers the unprecedented ability to reach 220 million consumers, in over 125 countries, through more than 31.9 billion mobile ad impressions monthly. InMobi was recently selected as the 2010 AlwaysOn Global 250 Company to Watch in Silicon Valley.

InMobi is venture-backed with marquee investors including: Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers and Sherpalo Ventures. The company has offices in London, San Francisco, Bangalore, Tokyo, and Singapore.

To learn more, please visit www.InMobi.com/research, follow us on Twitter @InMobi, or read our blog at www.inmobi.com/inmobiblog/

CONTACT:
Dan Gamble, +1-415-598-8902, dan@if-communications.com, for InMobi US

SOURCE InMobi