Categories: Mobile

How much does Android make? Not much, apparently

The latest version of Android - 4.0

How much does Android operating system earn Google? Not much according to The Guardian. In fact, between 2008 and 2011 Android generated only $543 million in revenue – somewhat insignificant when compared to Google’s $38 billion total revenue in 2011.

Of course, Google has never publicly stated what it earns from Android. Instead, The Guardian’s Charles Arthur obtained this figure by analysing a recent $2.8 million settlement Google offered Oracle in a Java patents infringement case, supposedly based on a percentage of Android revenue – 0.5% by my calculation.

This Android revenue figure is hardly surprising though. Google gives Android software away for free, and instead, earns money from sales on Google Play.

With Android’s reported 200 million or so devices (probably more) worldwide by the end of 2011, Google may have earned as little as $2.72 from each activation.

For Google though, it might not all be simply about profit just yet. With Android edging the biggest share of the smartphone market, it has certainly weakened its nearest rivals Apple and Microsoft in the process.

Albizu Garcia

Albizu Garcia is the Co-Founder and CEO of Gain -- a marketing technology company that automates the social media and content publishing workflow for agencies and social media managers, their clients and anyone working in teams.

Recent Posts

Are AI chatbots crossing the line? The risks developers need to know ahead of Valentine’s Day

AI chatbots are transforming communication, but recent headlines reveal their darker side: lawsuits over harmful content and reports…

10 hours ago

India’s digital ID architect touts DPI for govt tracking individual finances, vaccine passports

DPI systems can just as easily exclude people from participating in some aspects of society…

11 hours ago

HR execs head to Orlando for HR Management Institute event to help define the future of work 

HR has always had far-reaching responsibilities, however its focus has long been on employee retention…

4 days ago

Longview Fusion Energy Systems Highlighted as Key Contributor in Multiple FIRE Grants

Longview Fusion Energy Systems has announced its role as a key contributor to two of the…

1 week ago

As CFOs battle tough odds, accounting solutions help to drive new efficiencies 

As CFOs battle tough odds, accounting solutions help to drive new efficiencies  More than anything,…

1 week ago

An algorithmic Apple of Discord: DARPA renames Theory of Mind program to ‘Kallisti’

Could 'Kallisti' be the beginning of another Trojan Horse scenario? perspective The US Defense Advanced…

1 week ago