For the first time in history, the Android platform has finally managed to accomplish what many believe is the primary reason why it was built in the first place, beat the iPhone.

NPD report: Android beats iPhone

This is based on the latest NPD report which shows a dramatic increase in Android phone sales in the US for the first quarter of 2010. iPhone sales took a slight dip, but was significant enough to dislodge them from second place behind RIM. Now, Android is at the no. 2 spot with 21% market share and ">Apple and their iPhone at no. 3 with 21%. RIM’s market share also took a dive (now just 36%), but is still big enough for them to retain their leadership in the smartphone OS market.

Am I surprised with Android surpassing the iPhone? Yes and no. No, because this was bound to happen given the sheer number of Android phones that are now available in the market today, and yes, because it actually took them this long to finally overtake the iPhone which, to this date, is only limited to one model per year that's just available in different capacities. However, with Apple's new 4G iPhone looming in the horizon, we don't expect these figures and standings to last that long.

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