The IDC (International Data Corporation) released its Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker report on today in which it provided data on the current market share figures for iOS, Android and other smartphone operating systems. The firm projects that both iOS and Android will peak in popularity before 2016 and that Windows Phone will be able to pick up enough steam to surpass iOS by 2016. IDC. 

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S4 processor is by now a household name in the smartphone industry, powering the HTC One X, the EVO 4G LTE, Samsung’s US and Canadian models of the Galaxy S III and slew of other high-end devices. Qualcomm isn’t going to stop with smartphones and is dabbing into Windows RT notebooks that are powered by the same Snapdragon S4 chip that many have come. 

Last week Skype for Android received its latest update to cater to the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich’s UI appearance. Yesterday, Skype 4.0 for iOS rolled out yesterday with several notable improvements, though majority of them are skin deep. As most of the user of the app know, it has never been the most eye candy application to use, crashing often without warning. Redmond has addressed. 

Although it’s no where close to Apple and Google’s enormous app stores, Microsoft’s Windows Phone Marketplace has reached a milestone with the release of its 50,000th application. According to All About Windows Phone, which tracks applications using XML listings generated by Redmond, the Marketplace is growing — the store hit 50,000 apps published about a month and. 

Anonymous sources of the Wall Street Journal reports that Microsoft and Nokia have “flirted with the idea” of partnering up to acquire struggling Blackberry maker RIM. The journal suggests that this wasn’t anything more than an idea that came u in one of the regular meetings between the senior executives from all three companies.  

Any Canadians traveling around the US over the holidays? Skype is running a promotion that will keep you online while you travel. From December 21st through the 27th, Skype users can use the application to connect to a partner WiFi network for free in over 50 US airport terminals. Skype to Skype calls are 100% free, but you will still need SkypeOut credit to call a real land line or a mobile. 

It looks like Microsoft is going beyond Redmond for its GM position of Windows Phone division. BGR reports that Microsoft has snatched up Samsung’s VP of consumer and enterprise services, Gavin Kim, to lead the Windows Phone team. Kim told BGR that his new role will involve setting the future direction for the platform and to accelerate Microsoft’s trajectory to win the hearts. 

Could you guys believe it? It was ten years ago today that Microsoft’s Windows XP hit retail shelves. Despite its age it was still the most widely used operating system in the world until the start of October after Windows 7 look the lead in popularity. It has definitely showed its pros when compared to the company’s black sheep, Vista. With many demos and videos showcasing Windows. 

According to StatCounter, Windows 7 has surpassed the global domination of Windows XP after two years and to become the world’s most popular operating system. October 2011 is set in stone as the first time that Windows 7 has taken the top position with 40.21% percent market share versus XP’s 38.64%. As for Vista, it is holding strong at 11%. Not to write you a history report. 

We are just months away from the Holiday season and Microsoft has plans of stealing some market share from industry leaders Google and Apple in the mobile smartphone segment. Mobile Today is reporting that Microsoft is donating a whopping £28m, roughly $44.8 million CAD ($44 million USD) to Nokia and Samsung’s marketing campaign in an attempt to gain some market share for Windows.