Smart phones are the new “big” technology that people are heavily investing on. Sure, when it comes to sheer power, nothing beats some of the latest desktop hardware that is available commercially. But if we are to actually focus on a device that is truly influential in our society, then there is no stronger tool than the mobile phone.
The recent advancements in battery, wireless and communications technology has improved smart phones to a point where they are now indispensible tools that people rely on. Quick errands are now mapped on GPS devices right before people step out of the door. Checking live updates, push email and other content have become a daily part of people’s routines. Being able to Tweet or update Facebook instantly is such as big part in the lives of many teenagers and even adults.
Recently, Research in Motion has been able to develop a new encryption technology that is so good that BlackBerry devices have been banned from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Apparently, the government does not like people keeping secrets, and the UAE is not the only government concerned with the issue. In any case, this is a major precedent in the factors and terms that companies consider when choosing which technology to develop.
It has been confirmed that Windows Phone 7 is indeed coming out this October in the UK first, a full month ahead of the US launch slated in November. Kevin Turner of Microsoft has not fully explained why the UK is getting first dibs, but we certainly are not going to complain about that.
Lastly, it has been announced that Google has finally reached a major milestone: surpassing the Apple iPhone in terms of overall market share. While some might argue that the vast range of Android devices has helped, one cannot deny that Google’s strategy worked (and it has drawbacks of its own, such as severe fragmentation).
Tags: Android, Apple-iPhone, BlackBerry, Google