Android Smartphone Gains Market Share, But is it Right for Attorneys?
Google's Android operating system is rapidly gaining market share in the smartphone world. Analysts expect that by the end of the year it will surpass Apple's iOS, Research in Motion's Blackberry, Microsoft Windows phones and Nokia's Symbian. By 2014, it could become the worlds number one mobile phone operating system. The growth is so massive that according to Google, 200,000 Android phones are activated on a daily basis.
That's not the say that the future of the phone is certain. Oracle recently filed a federal copyright lawsuit alleging that without permission, Google built the Andriod operating system on Oracle's Java software, The San Jose Mercury News reports. Android also faces challenges related to the different versions of the OS for different phones. Finally, Google also is likely to find it difficult to manage relationships with the plethora of wireless carriers and manufacturers.
More importantly for our readers is the question, is an Andriod phone a good choice for attorneys?
Absolutely. With the number of Android handsets available, an attorney can easily find a phone that suits their needs and preferences. And the Android now has nearly 100,000 different applications; less than Apple's App Store, no doubt, but still more than enough to suit your needs and then some. A quick scan of the available Andriod applications turned up some great applications, including an Abacus Law application that allows you to sync your office calendar with the Abacus law office software. We also found a free application called DroidLaw, which offers The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Evidence, Appellate Procedure, Criminal Procedure and much more. State codes are also said to be on the way.
In sum, there are more choices than ever in the smartphone market and it ultimately comes down to selecting one that is the right fit for you. Variables include the operating system, the handset and the carrier. Test several of them out and find the phone that is the best choice for you. If you like it, you will likely find that any smartphone available can do far more than you could ever need.
Related Resources:
- Google Instant Changes How Clients Search for Attorneys (FindLaw's Technologist)
- Google Adds Priority Inbox Feature to Gmail (FindLaw's Technologist)
- Apple to Update iPad Software: Good for Law Practice? (FindLaw's Technologist)