CNET is reporting that the iPhone’s share of the web browser market is approaching one third of a percent, quite a leap from its previous mark of one fifth of a percent.  The recent introduction of 3G network supported is attributed to the increase. This occurs as Linux-based OS’s now account for nearly 1% of all browsing, and Mac-based browsers have grown to 7.86%.

The only platform/browser combination experiencing a decrease is Windows running IE, revealing that a growing number of Windows users have decided to do their surfing with Firefox or Safari. The availability of better database application tools for non-IE browsers, combined with an industry shift to Flash, has made the browsing public less reliant upon IE-only technologies like ActiveX for enhanced browser functionality. As this trend continues, expect Safari and iPhone browser share to further increase.

Tags: 3g, internet, safari, software, web, windows

My commute averages about 45 minutes one-way. I’ve also hit the age where the same 20-song rotation on the FM dial isn’t as appealing as it once was. For the past few years, I’ve been relying on my subscriptions to various podcasts, but with so much time in the car, it’s pretty easy to exhaust that resource. What’s a geek to do?

Try this: use your iPhone as a mobile internet radio! I’ve been very pleased with a number of free apps and services in the App Store that allow me to create my own radio station, tune in to streaming comedy and talk radio, and even predict the kind of music that I would like. Some of these services have been around for a while (AOL Radio, Last.fm), others are a little new to the game, but excellent nonetheless (Pandora). So far, all three work well over WiFi, 3G, and even Edge networks. Here’s a simple run-down of the features offered by each application:

AOL Radio: Uses your location to identify local (CBS and affiliate) radio stations with streaming content. Tons of stations from comedy to new age. Decent quality, buffers very quickly. Fair audio quality over the Edge Network.

Pandora: Uses music genome project to figure out the kind of music you like. Great audio quality, even over the Edge network. Can only skip 6 songs per hours (bummer).

Last.fm: Kind of like social networking for music. Stations based on ranking and recommendations. Rank you songs, learns what you like. Good audio quality over the Edge network.

All of the solutions sound great through headphones over WiFi or 3G. The built-in speaker is decent enough for spoken word content on the iPhone3G, but the original iPhone isn’t loud enough and distorts easily.

Since my commute will be growing by 15+ minutes each way in a few years, I’m glad I’ll have an alternative to a costly monthly satellite radio service. Hopefully, as 3G coverage grows, so will mobile media solutions.

Tags: internet, iphone, radio