The rising Android popularity as a consequence of the successful Motorola Droid campaign helped Google mark the largest single gain in the top five competitors. All Android devices jumped from about 2.8 percent share in the summer to 7.1 percent in January. Windows Mobile, PalmOS and webOS shares were the only ones to see a decline, dropping to 15.7 percent (ranked third) and 5.7 percent (fifth place) respectively during the same period of time.

Motorola has preserved the title of the top overall cell phone manufacturer, but had a drop to 22.9 percent, although the Droid was from far its best deal. Research in Motion’s lead in smartphones was enough to make it the fastest riser in the total phone arena, but its share is only 7.8 percent. Other competitors like Samsung, LG and Nokia were largely flat.

Moves in share were not explained by analysts, but Research in Motion has certainly benefited from its continuous deals with every major carrier in North America and continued to update its smartphone ranges that include the flagship Storm2 and the low-cost Curve 8520. Apple’s gain seems to be at the expenses of Palm and Microsoft. Customers have abandoned the old PalmOS and Windows Mobile platforms in favour of the iPhones instead of switching to webOS or have to wait for Windows Phone 7.

The LG Shine II comes as an update of the stainless steel fashion slider supporting 7.2Mbps 3G, as well as assisted GPS through the subscription Navigator service of AT&T. The software supports multitasking and image editing for the device’s two-megapixel camera. The mirror LCD display is provided with Multi Angle Vision technology, which allows users to view the content of the screen from different angles. The price of the handset is high enough, $120 price on a two-year contract, which places the Shine II above smartphones with similar performance.

The BlackBerry Curve 8520 replaces the 8300 series at AT&T and has both Wi-Fi and GPS, like the T-Mobile version. It drops 3G and uses a simpler display with 320×240 resolution, as well as a two-megapixel camera. While the version for AT&T does not support Wi-Fi calling, the price will be $100 on contract, less than the T-Mobile version. The phone is already shipping.

The BlackBerry Bold 9700 version for AT&T also resembles to the T-Mobile model, is shipping, and costs $199 on contract. The device has 3G and a 3.2-megapixel camera, as well as a 480×360 screen. It also lacks Wi-Fi calling.