Google's Android Continues to Close on BlackBerry, iPhone

Google's (GOOG) Android mobile operating system continues to steadily gain market share, posing an increasing threat to market leaders Apple (AAPL), which makes the iPhone, and Research in Motion (RIMM), the maker of the BlackBerry.

Android's share jumped nearly 2% in the three-month period ending in February compared to the same period ending in January, according to the latest numbers from comScore, a market research firm. This means Android represents 9% of all smartphone subscribers. In other words, from nearly a standing start last fall, Android now accounts for nearly 1 in 10 smartphone users.

"Google's Android platform continues to see rapid gains in market share as more Android-compatible devices are introduced to the market," comScore notes.

RIM's BlackBerry models continued to lead the smartphone market, with 42.1% share, down 0.9% from January. Apple's iPhone platform is second with 25.4%, up 0.3% from January. Microsoft's mobile software is next, with 15.1%, down 0.6%. Palm brings up the rear with 5.4%, down 0.3% since January.

In other words, Android's share is coming at the expense of all of its competitors, except Apple's iPhone.

February numbers:

January numbers: