U.S. Smartphone Market: Blackberry leads, Google gains

Of the 45.4 million U.S. smartphone owners, according to comScore research, 42.1% have a Blackberry. Apple's iPhone is at second place with 25.4%, followed by Microsoft devices at 15.1%. Google's Android phones lag behind with 9.0% and Palm devices are at 5.4% of the market.

In comparing the three-month periods of December 2009 through February 2010 and September through November 2009, comScore noticed a 21% increase in smartphone ownership. Blackberry maker Research in Motion Ltd. (RIM) saw an increase of 1.3% over these periods as their share of this strong showing, while Apple iPhones stagnated and Microsoft and Palm actually dropped. The largest jump came from smartphone newcomer Google, which increased by 5.2% over the two periods. Assessment by the market researchers in their press release: "Google's Android platform continues to see rapid gains in market share as more Android-compatible devices are introduced to the market."