China Leads Global Smartphone Adoption

Smartphone penetration is ramping up at a rate 10 times that of the 80's PC boom, according to new figures from app measurement company Flurry.

In all, the company estimates more than 640 million iOS and Android devices were in use in July. The U.S. leads in the number of active smart devices with 165 million, followed by China, the U.K. and South Korea.

Within the last year, the U.S. market grew by 30 million net active devices, and China, the fastest growing iOS and Android market, added 100 million new smart devices. By the end of the year, Flurry says China's active installed base could overtake the U.S.

When looking at adults 15 to 64 years old, a new picture emerges, with city-states Singapore and Hong Kong leading the way with a 92 percent and 87 percent penetration rate, respectively. The U.S. comes in fifth at 78 percent.

Of the 200,000 apps that Flurry tracks, the U.S. makes up about a third of global app sessions, a decline from 52 percent the year prior, thanks to rapid global adoption.

iOS and Android devices are exploding around the world. That means online video publishers (as well as app makers) need to have a global perspective as these technologies continue their unprecedented growth.

The data is clear: TV is mobile and global now.