Android

Nearly one-third of U.S smartphone sales in the first quarter were on prepaid carriers, the highest on record, according to a report from the NPD Group. The statistic is another indication of prepaid's growing momentum in the smartphone market.

Google's Android long ago eclipsed Apple's iOS in terms of sheer size: Gartner reports that Android powers 74.4 percent of all smartphones sold worldwide during the first quarter of 2013, up from 56.9 percent during the year-ago period and widening its already considerable lead on iOS, which plummeted to 18.2 percent from 22.5 percent in the first quarter of 2012. But size isn't everything, and iOS has always maintained a number of competitive edges over Android.

Google continues ramping up its Google Wallet m-commerce network, introducing APIs for simplifying purchases within native Android applications and rolling out loyalty programs, additionally integrating payment capabilities into its Gmail platform.

Microsoft's Windows Phone posted the largest year-over-year shipment gains of any smartphone operating system, eclipsing BlackBerry in the race to challenge marketplace leaders Android and iOS, research firm IDC reports.

During its Google I/O developer's conference, Google announced a new Android gaming service and a new, subscription-based music streaming service. The company also announced a range of new APIs and services for its Android developers.

Verizon Wireless and cloud services firm VMware are rolling out a new dual persona solution for select smartphones running Google's Android, enabling users to securely access both professional and personal applications and data via the same mobile device.