Windows Phone may have had a slow start since it was first released almost four years ago but the mobile OS developed by Microsoft appears to be now on its way to beating iOS in terms user base according to information provided at the Microsoft keynote event at Mobile World Congress 2014 which happened today.
During the keynote presented by Microsoft’s VP of operation systems, Joe Belfiore, Windows Phone user base grew 91% year on year in 2013 making it the fastest growing OS in the world for the period. This growth positioned Windows Phone as the number 2 smartphone OS in 9 markets with device shipments surpassing Apple in 10 markets. Specifically, Windows Phone is seeing massive growth in the Middle East and Africa (+758% growth YoY) and Asia Pacific (+105% growth YoY).
The ecosystem is seeing healthy growth in the number of available applications as well with 245,000 Windows Phone applications currently available for download with developers adding 500 new apps daily with 4 billion apps downloaded to date. In addition the Windows Phone Marketplace supports direct operator billing for app purchase with 55 careers in 35 market including Malaysia.
So how many of you switched from iOS or Android to Windows Phone? Share your thoughts.
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