In case you haven’t noticed, Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) is going Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG). The Canadian handset maker has made plans for its iconic BlackBerry Messenger to be available for free on both iOS and Android. This cross platform approach, which is very typical of Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), has also been witnessed in the move to allow the frictionless functionality of Android apps on BlackBerry10. Recent reports indicate that a private company will facilitate the porting of the whole Android catalog — more than 700,000 touch enabled apps — to the BlackBerry 10.
With all these central changes, the key question that industry specialists are asking is whether this cross platform approach, or should I say Google approach, will allow Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) to secure the third place position.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has the lead but BlackBerry is clawing back
As far as the battle for third place goes, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is making more headway. IDC reports that Windows Phone posted the largest year on year gain among the top mobile operating systems. The research firm contends that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s Windows Phone has more than doubled its market share compared to the same period a year ago.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s tremendous gain comes from the growing demand for Nokia’s Lumia handset. To the surprise of many, the Lumia, previously expected to fail, has gained immensely. In fact, Nokia has shipped 20.3 million Lumia units since it adopted Windows Phone.
I also believe that Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC)’s soon to be released Haswell processor, which is expected to revive PCs, will help Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)– a PC resurgence will provide more clout for Windows 8. This, in turn, could immensely brighten the prospects for Windows Phone.
Despite the edge that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has, Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) is clawing back. In its home market of Canada, BlackBerry is reclaiming its share from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iPhone. The struggling handset maker is gnawing into Apple’s share and in the process, roping in users in droves. The WSJ reports that Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) gained market share from 6% in Q4 2012 to 13.5% in the first quarter of 2013. This galactic gain is attributable to the cult-like demand for the Z10. Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) actually contends that the Z10 debut was more than 50% better than any other previous launch in its history.
I believe that the gains in Canada will be instrumental in closing the gap between BlackBerry and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT).
