Mobile messaging experts Synchronica has launched a new client app for the Android operating system.

The Android system has now surpassed Apple''s iPhone iOS - as the platform for mobile devices, says the firm.

It means Synchronica's app can be downloaded to allow an operator's branded messaging service on Android Smartphones (around 500,000 Android Smartphones worldwide are activated each day).

And América Móvil - the leading wireless services provider in Latin America - is the first to launch the app.

It had a total of 236 million mobile subscribers as of June this year.

Chief executive of Synchronica Carsten Brinkschulte said: "We are seeing significant growth in Android, particularly in the prepaid and midrange smartphone markets.

"Service providers like América Móvil see the value in deploying consumer IM (instant messaging) solutions alongside operator-owned IM communities as a highly effective means to increase customer stickiness and reduce churn.

"Now, with the new Synchronica IM client app for Android, operators will be able to offer branded IM services on the fastest growing Smartphone platform."

The client app for Android can be downloaded from the firm's product: Synchronica Mobile Gateway or pre-installed by the device manufacturer. 

It supports popular services such as Facebook, Windows Live, Yahoo!, Google Talk, AOL, ICQ, Jabber XMPP and the Synchronica Messenger IM service, said the firm.

It allows users to start multiple chats (one-to-one or group) simultaneously, receive push notifications of new messages, switch between multiple chats and search for new contacts by their mobile number or instant messaging user name.

Operators are also able to provide carrier-owned and branded IM communities to improve customer loyalty and reduce churn - the number of customers who leave a supplier over a period.