Source: Google Android will take off in early 2010, challenge iPhone

An onslaught of slick smartphones running Google (GOOG) Android will goose adoption and send Android marketshare soaring in early 2010, said a source close to the Android team with knowledge of customer trends and sentiment for the Google-powered handsets. "The only thing holding it back is the lack of devices. And by early next year there will be dozens of Android devices online, Marketshare is going to skyrocket," said the source, who has worked directly with the Android team.

The source also contradicted reports from mobile ad networks AdMob that iPhone users actually download more apps than Android users. AdMob data is controversial because it primarily relies on ads placed in applications to gauge behavior. "From what we see, those AdMob numbers are extremely low and under represent engagement and app downloads by Android users," he said.