Consumers who use smartphones to order goods online for UK delivery services to send them are becoming more interested in Google's Android operating system (OS), a recent report suggested.

Research from Strategy Analytics found a growing number of people opting for this OS over Apple's iconic iOS, used in iPhones and iPads.

Android accounted for 39 per cent of the market in the last three months of last year, according to the company, while market leader Apple's share fell from 68 per cent to 58 per cent.

Overall tablets experienced a surge in sales, with 26.8 million units shipped out in the quarter - a jump of 10.7 million on a year-on-year basis.

"Demand for tablets among consumer, business and education users remains strong," said Strategy Analytics' Peter King.

Online phone retailer mobilefun.co.uk recently claimed handsets are set to become cheaper in 2012 as more manufacturers attempt to enter the market, increasing competition in the sector.
 

Author:  Paul Burn