Google builds lead on Apple in smartphone race

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NEW YORK A new report says Google's (GOOG) Android software for mobile devices was running on 75 percent of smartphones shipped in the third quarter, as the search company extended its lead over Apple.

Apple's (AAPL) iOS system, used in iPhones, was second with a market share of 15 percent. Apple's new iPhone didn't come out until late in the quarter, while Samsung and other Android makers had major releases earlier.

A year ago, Android had just 58 percent to the iPhone's 14 percent. Gains came largely at the expense of BlackBerry and Symbian phones. IDC released its report Thursday.

All other mobile operating systems were in the single digits: BlackBerry at 4.3 percent, Symbian at 2.3 percent and Windows at 2 percent.