This week the Android Platform was cited as the most shipped platform in the Smartphone Category in North America.  Given the fact there are very low-end products now being produced in regions like China and the rest of the world to house the Android Operating System, the momentum is absolutely incredible.

If they keep going along the same growth trajectory, they will be in a position to ship 1 Billion Android devices/ year by the end of 2011.   As we all have heard the statistic that over 50% of the US market will be occupied by Smart phones at that time, it is not surprising that a variety of low to high end Android devices could absolutely take over the marketplace globally. Where is Nokia in the battle of momentum and explosive growth? Where is Microsoft? Will there be another player to emerge? With NTT DoCoMo and Softbank in Japan embracing Android, it looks as though they have the momentum on thier side with this platform.  What will the world be like with (Free monetized by Adverting ) Google now in a position to enable access of the worlds information,  have all the data and in a unique position to monetize in new forms.

Apple is growing fast, but not as fast as they do not have that same multiplier effect of multiple hardware manufactures on their side.  Is it time for Apple to improve their growth strategy?  How interesting would it be for Apple to combine forces with another major Hardware manufacturer that is known for a different brand vertical and value proposition then Apple in this explosive world domination game.