Smartphone Operating System and Shipment Statistics for first quarter of 2013 (Units in millions)

				1Q13										1Q12
				Shipment					1Q13 Market					Shipment					1Q12 Market					Year over Year
Operating System				Volume					Share					Volume					Share					Change
Android				162	.1				75	.0%				90	.3				59	.1%				79	.5%
iOS				37	.4				17	.3%				35	.1				23	.0%				6	.6%
Windows Phone				7	.0				3	.2%				3	.0				2	.0%				133	.3%
BlackBerry OS				6	.3				2	.9%				9	.7				6	.4%				-35	.1%
Linux				2	.1				1	.0%				3	.6				2	.4%				-41	.7%
Symbian				1	.2				0	.6%				10	.4				6	.8%				-88	.5%
Others				0	.1				0	.0%				0	.6				0	.4%				-83	.3%
Total				216	.2				100	.0%				152	.7				100	.0%				41	.6%

Source: IDC Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, May 2013
Note: Information is preliminary and is subject to change.

Its not much of a surprise that Android and IOS continue to have a greater share of the smartphone market.  Its however quite interesting to note that Windows phone shipments have surpassed Blackberry despite the release of the BB10 earlier this year. Nokia has been a major contributing factor to this effect.

Blackberry Messenger coming to Android and IOS this summer.

On Tuesday May 14, Blackberry CEO, Thorsten Heins announced at Blackberry Live that BBM will be available on Android and IOS soon. All Android and IOS users who have wanted to experience BBM without having to purchase a blackberry handset can now breathe a sigh of relief. This is both a good and bad move on the side of Blackberry.
 Here's why :

1. Of course, There will be more subscribers hence more returns.
2. I know for a fact that there are many Blackberry users who would love to use some Android and IOS exclusive apps like Instagram on their device. If I were a blackberry user, I would consider getting an Android or IOS device. That way, I could have it all! This could mean a further decline in Blackberry purchases.

The Blackberry Messenger application will be compatible with all versions of IOS and any android devices running version 4.0 and above.

Trends : Three cool alternatives to Whatsapp

Whatsapp messenger is the most widely used cross-platform instant messaging application which has been free for users in some countries. Like me, a lot of people love free stuff but here's the catch, Whatsapp messenger is not going to be free forever, even though the free service period has been extended a couple of times.(To find out your service expiry date, open Whatsapp, select settings, then account, then payment info)
 In view of that, I've tried out some similar apps and read about others as well. Here's the shortlist of what i found out:


XMS (formerly ebuddy XMS)
Platforms supported - Android, blackberry, IOS, Symbian(nokia), Windows.
Features - Text, media sharing(pictures, videos, sounds), location, Group chat

I've tried this one out on the android, IOS and Symbian platforms and I'd say the interface is just okay. There's also this cool "nearby" feature i mentioned above, which gives you a list of XMS users within a maximum of 10km. The users are displayed on a map to give you an idea of where exactly and how far they are from you. You could also add new contacts using a pin like with Blackberry Messenger.

screenshot on android

LiveProfile

Platforms supported - Android, Blackberry, IOS.

Features - Text, media sharing, Group chat.

I used this one as well and in my opinion, the most impressive thing about it is the interface. Each user also has a unique pin for adding contacts.

screenshot on android

Kik Messenger

Platforms supported - Android, Blackberry, IOS, Symbian, Blackberry, Windows.

Features - Text, media sharing, Group chat.

From the reading i did, Kik messenger is the most widely used among the three apps I've listed, with over 50 million users worldwide.

screenshot on android

Personally I'm torn between XMS and Kik Messenger

Choice is yours now! 

Ouya : The first android powered gaming console

Overview
Ouya (pronounced: ooo-yah) is a gaming console which runs a custom version of the android OS 4.1 (jellybean). Ouya owners will obtain games through download from an app store exclusive to the Ouya console, which will feature free games, and trial versions for paid ones.
Another exciting thing is, the console will be open to rooting without voiding the warranty. The hardware
 has also been designed such that it can be easily opened up to allow modding. The console is expected in stores on June 25 but is available for pre-order currently.

Specs
OS - Android 4.1 (jellybean)
Processor - Tegra3 Quad-Core Processor
Display - HDMI to the TV(supports up to 1080p HD)
Storage capacity - 8gb flash storage
Memory - 1GB
connectivity - bluetooth 4.0 , Wifi 802.11 B/G/N
USB - Yes, 2.0 (one port)

Photos