But Android is also available on low-end devices. This is a market unserved by either Apple or Blackberry. The low-end market is especially popular in the developing world -- consider that India now has an Android tablet priced at $60. By virtue of covering all price ranges in the market, Android is poised to take a dominant share of smartphones. In addition, the differentiation that its manufacturers are engaging it has propelled Android smartphones into a position of technological leadership, challenging Apple and surpassing Blackberry.

Consumers appreciate the structure of the Android product, even going beyond the basic price and innovation concerns. With Android devices, consumers are not tied to a relationship with any one company. This stands in contrast to the Apple and Blackberry business models, which emphasize the tied nature of the product. Android users are able to switch between manufacturers and they are able to work with...
[ View Full Essay]