The vast majority of marketers--88%--plan to pursue mobile marketing this year, according to a new survey by the Association of National Advertisers in partnership with the MMA. Further, 75% will increase spending on mobile marketing efforts by an average of 59% compared to a year ago.

The mobile phone market had its best year in 2010 since 2006, increasing shipments 18.5% to 1.39 billion worldwide. For the fourth quarter, shipments grew 17.9%, a new quarterly high driven by smartphones, according to new data from IDC.

The iPhone may be about to launch on Verizon, but that won't stop Android's inevitable ascendence to the top of the U.S. smartphone market. The Google mobile operating system jumped from an estimated 6% of the market in 2009 to 24% in 2010, expanding across multiple devices and carriers. In an upcoming report, eMarketer projects Android will carry that momentum through this year and next to become the leading smartphone platform in 2012, with a 31% share. That would put it one percentage point ahead of Apple, with BlackBerry-maker Research in Motion trailing further behind at 23%, and Microsoft at …

During Verizon's earnings conference call Monday, the carrier shed more light on its expectations for the iPhone this year, in addition to providing more details about rolling out the Apple device, like the $30 unlimited plan. One interesting exchange during the Q&A with analysts focused on Verizon's expectation of doubling smartphone penetration among its customers from 26% to 50% this year.

Forrester has issued its annual report outlining top mobile trends for the upcoming year. The research firm gave itself a "B+" for its 2010 predictions, but said it expected mobile strategy professionals would spend more last year. Among other things, it says it correctly predicted Android would emerge as a rival to other platforms, social and mobile would expand their "love affair," and app stores would flourish but not replicate Apple's success. (I didn't come across "Angry Birds" on that list.)

On the heels of Verizon's debuting its first iPhone ad, Apple over the weekend launched its own ad promoting the new partnership with the carrier. But instead of simply trumpeting the iPhone on Verizon, the 30-second spot, in heavy rotation during the NFL conference championship games on Sunday, takes a more diplomatic approach.

In its first ad for the iPhone 4, which hit YouTube and prime-time TV last night, Verizon has held back from attacking arch rival AT&T. The 30-second spot shows a series of ticking clocks that finally strike "12:00" in unison, followed by a series of slides: the gray Apple logo above "iPhone 4;" the Verizon logo; "It begins;" "2.10.11;" closing with Verizon's retro "Rule the Air" logo.

With the launch of a new app for feature phones Wednesday, Facebook extended its strategy of casting a wide net to reach all mobile users, wherever they are and whatever device they have. "Smartphones have offered better features for sharing with friends but aren't used by most people around the world," stated a Facebook blog post about the new app, which works on more than 2,500 handsets and across 14 wireless carriers globally.

Among the staggering numbers reported by Apple in its Q1 earnings results Tuesday, was the $3.85 billion it took in during the quarter from its retail stores alone. That total was nearly double the $1.97 billion a year ago, and gives the retail business an annual run rate of $16 billion. That's bigger than the GDP of many developing countries. With its expansive product line, from Macs to iPhones to accessories, it only makes sense for Apple to operate its own stores. But given Apple's enormous success selling its own stuff, why don't any of its smartphone rivals follow suit …

In a new quarterly report tracking the burgeoning tablet and e-reader markets, technology research firm IDC said tablet shipments grew 45% in the third quarter to 4.8 million worldwide. The iPad continues to own the segment, accounting for a full 90% of tablets shipped.