Google’s Android software will be Europe’s top smartphone platform next year, according to researcher IDC.

Android phones accounted for 23% of western Europe shipments in the third quarter, behind Nokia Oyj’s Symbian and Apple’s iPhone platforms, IDC analyst Francisco Jeronimo said in an interview — as reported by “Bloomberg” (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-11-29/android-phones-set-to-pass-nokia-s-symbian-in-europe-idc-says.html). Android is set to pass Symbian and iPhone in the region, he said, adding that it is already second to Symbian worldwide.

Nine-month sales of Android devices in Western Europe were led by HTC Corp. with 39% of shipments, followed by Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB with 27% and Samsung Electronics Co. with 14%, Jeronimo said. Samsung is gaining following the launch of the Galaxy S in the second half, according to IDC.