Is Google's Android OS in Trouble?

LOS ANGELES — Google's Android operating system was supposed to challenge Apple's iPhone for dominance of the next-gen mobile device marketplace, but is it running out of steam?

PCMag.com suggests it might be. Writing for the prominent mainstream publication, analyst Sascha Segan pointed out the lack of devices available for the Android platform.

"Six months after T-Mobile released the G1, there's a grand total of one more Android phone available: the HTC Magic, which looks like a G1 with the keyboard snapped off," he said. "That's not about to burn up the marketplace."

Segan went on to argue that although Android — an open-source, customizable, Linux-powered OS backed by Google — "looks good on paper," it hasn't found a home in the marketplace.

For the uninitiated, here's the difference between the Android OS and the iPhone: Apple's iPhone runs on its own operating system that is the epitome of proprietary. Apple doesn't let users customize the OS and vigorously polices its applications marketplace.

By contrast, the Andoid OS is just that — an operating system. Manufacturers of mobile devices are more or less welcome to build devices that use its flexible platform, which is beholden to no one company.

Most important for the adult industry is Android's friendliness to adult endeavors. The SCORE Group has put out a XXX app for the Android platform, while adult developers for the iPhone must build apps that include no sex or nudity. Otherwise, they have to risk entering into the iPhone black market, which caters to users industrious — or crazy — enough to override the native iPhone OS.

To be fair, Segan's assessment may be overblown. Online reports show that at least 10 devices are in the works for the Android OS.

But an informal survey of adult industry professionals indicated that the might iPhoen reigns supreme. Of all industry members polled, only one was planning to buy an Android-powered device: Lisa Ann, performer and proprietor of Lisa Ann's Talent Management. With a few exceptions, all others polled had an iPhone.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

X3 Expo Pops Off With All-Star Lineup

A wave of excited fans cascaded down Sunset Blvd., cresting and breaking with anticipation as they flowed into the historic Hollywood Palladium, where the A-list echelon of the adult world stood ready to greet them, pose with them, chat them up, and showcase the latest in spicy entertainment, as the 2025 X3 Expo popped off.

XBIZ Honors Uplifts Spirits Amid Challenging Times for LA and the Adult Industry

"A bunch of misfit toys." That’s how MojoHost founder Brad Mitchell described himself and his industry peers at the 2025 XBIZ Honors ceremony at Hollywood’s Kimpton Everly Hotel. Everyone cheered in agreement. Frankly, they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Kansas Sues Adult Website Operator Under AV Law

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach has filed suit against SARJ LLC, alleging that the company’s adult websites have failed to implement age verification as mandated by state law.

Judge Pauses FSC Lawsuit Over Florida AV Law

A U.S. district court judge has paused Free Speech Coalition’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, pending the Supreme Court's ruling in the FSC-led challenge to Texas’ age verification law, HB 1181.

Barry Loves Boobs Launches New Paysite

Barry Loves Boobs has announced the launch of its new membership site.

Will Co. Wins Legal Battle Against Pirate Sites

After a nearly four-year court battle, Japanese adult entertainment producer Will Co. has been awarded $4.5 million in damages and ownership of domains formerly belonging to the operator of now-shuttered MissAV.com and other high-traffic pirate sites.

Indiana AG Sends Cease and Desist Letters to Adult Sites Over AV

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita sent several cease and desist letters to adult websites Wednesday, accusing them of failing to comply with the state’s age verification law.

Ofcom Releases Age Assurance Guidelines

U.K. communications regulator Ofcom released on Thursday its finalized official guidance on what constitutes “highly effective” age assurance, which adult sites are required to implement under the U.K.’s Online Safety Act (OSA).

Supreme Court Hears Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday heard oral arguments in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the case challenging Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

SexLikeReal Launches New Brand 'SLR For Women'

SexLikeReal has launched its newest studio brand, SLR For Women, on its VR streaming platform.

Show More