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Is 2008 the Year of the Smartphone?

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

Once upon a time our mobile phones were only for making telephone calls. Today, more of us want our mobile phones to be fully loaded with every imaginable feature: Internet accessibility, MP3 capabilities, GPS navigation, email devices. As these so-called smartphones become increasingly popular, some are predicting 2008 will be the year they go mainstream.

Apple’s iPhone: Starting it All

The rage over smartphones didn’t start in 2008. It actually began last year when Apple released the iPhone to an eager audience of buyers. Within its first year, the original iPhone sold 5 million units despite being available only in the United States and select parts of Europe. Was it any wonder that the 3G iPhone would shake the industry up in a much bigger way?

Industry Statistics: Telling the Story

Just as the 3G iPhone was preparing to make a highly anticipated launch around the world this July, the mobile phone industry released its latest statistics on the smartphones and their impact on the market. According to Gartner, Inc, smartphone sales have increased worldwide by nearly 30% just since 2007.

In the first three months of 2008, many parts of the market saw enormous leaps in sales for these devices. More than 11.7 million smartphones were sold from January through March in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, for example. That was up almost 40% over the previous year’s first quarter results.

In North America, however, the rise is even more prominent. During the same period, sales for smartphones increased by 106%. That means their sales more than doubled in comparison to the first quarter sales of 2007.

Apple’s Impact on the Mobile Market

Even though the iPhone isn’t the only smartphone on the market, its success has clearly opened the eyes of other mobile manufacturers about the needs and wants of consumers. While smartphones, like those created by Blackberry, were once considered only desirable by on-the-go business professionals, consumers today seem to love the idea of being constantly connected to the world around them. They want news, entertainment, communication, music, and navigation all wrapped up in a single, sleek package.

And the best news for phone makers is that consumers clearly don’t mind paying extra for these added features. Remember the iPhone originally launched at an astronomical US $499 for the 4 GB model and that was including a discount for signing a 2 year contract with a service provider.

New Smartphones on the Horizon

With the popularity of the iPhone, it’s no surprise that other mobile phone companies are going to be hitting the market soon with their own smartphones. Samsung, for example, is releasing the Tocco which is smaller and thinner than Apple’s model. It has a touchscreen and allows for the dropping and dragging of widgets for the user’s convenience.

Still at the forefront of mobile phone sales, Nokia isn’t going to be left out of the smartphone race. They are currently working on a touchscreen model prototype currently referred to as Tube. With built-in GPS and a nice widescreen display, the phone will fit in nicely with the competition. It’s also believed to support handwriting recognition.

Blackberry is also releasing its own 3G model known as the BlackBerry Thunder which should launch in Q3 of 2008.

Clearly, Apple is leading the way for a great year in smartphones both for consumers and for the industry.

Author: David Lakins
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Humorous photo captions

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Understanding the Differences Between Windows Mobile Pocket PC’s and Windows Mobile Smartphones

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

I’ve often been asked from my customers why they should choose a Pocket PC over a Smartphone or vice versa. Many users don’t realize that each type of device offers unique User interface setups and thus function differently. In this article I’m going to give a quick breakdown of Pocket PC’s vs Smartphone devices. Mainly just a quick look at a few important differences.

Touch Screen Vs One Handed Navigation

Pocket PC’s are touch screen based units, meaning users can either use a stylus or their fingers to navigate throughout their device. This is an important aspect to consider, if your screen size is small the pocket pc device may become bothersome to use as you may have to navigate through hard to press icons to reach your overall destination. On the other hand a Pocket PC is great if the buttons are easy to push, the iPhone 3G or the HTC TyTN II are both great examples of easy to navigate Pocket PC models. Keep in mind you’ll more than likely be relegated to using both hands at the same time.

On the other hand Smartphones are non-touch screen devices that place their focus on one handed navigation, this is often preferred by users who quickly want to pull up menu’s without having to press around on their screens. Smartphone devices such as the new Windows Mobile 6.0 smartphones have home screens that are set up for one handed navigation, you can simply scroll between easy to access menus and in most cases press on a button to access your applications.

Speaking of applications, this is another important area to examine. For instance, Pocket PC third party applications for a Pocket PC will be different in design than a Smartphone Application, the reason being the lack of a touch screen on the Smartphone. Its not to say one is better than the other, just that the smartphone application will require more modular navigating over the Touch screen based program. In most cases one app will not work on both devices, if you are switching over to a Smartphone or Pocket PC you may want to make sure your favorite applications will still be accessible or at least offer a version for your new device.

Finally, Smartphones also tend to lean towards T9 text input, since most, but not all smartphones do not feature a full keyboard, of course the Blackjack series and some HTC devices break from this convention.

Personally I like the flow of Smartphones, I can navigate easily, although it did take some time to get use to. Whatever decision you make i’d definitely suggest looking at the device online or if possible in person to make sure the device is comfortable for you.

Author: James Alan Johnson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty

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Mobile Phones – Will ‘Classic’ Feature Phones Survive the Smartphone Craze?

Monday, March 8th, 2010

As we approach the end of Q4 in 2009, the demand for smartphones continues to grow week by week. Dominant ‘classic’ feature phone manufacturer Nokia faces increasing pressure from the smartphone craze, with the likes of Research in Motion, Apple and HTC making their mark.

Finnish giants Nokia have changed tactic however, with their aim to consolidate their portfolio of smartphones. John Strand, CEO of Strand Consult, believes that the line between feature and smartphones has blurred due to a “technology shift” and not because of a tirade to extinguish the need for low-end ‘classic’ feature phones.

Strand admitted: “Only a few customers deliberately purchase smartphones. Most want a reasonably-priced phone with smart features. Whether a customer ends up with a smartphone or a feature phone is a matter of coincidence.”

Nokia mobile phones continue to succeed throughout the marketplace. Its latest smartphone, the Nokia N900 is available on the market as an enhancement on the Nokia N97 and N97 mini. The Maemo-powered handset has now been given an official UK release date.

Low-end ‘classic’ feature phones make up 45% of the Nokia mobile phone sales. Interestingly, Nokia smartphones only take 15% of the total units shipped, but it appears this is a percentage that is on the increase over the last 12 months.

A Nokia spokesperson said: “We expect that in 2010, volume for the overall mobile device market will increase about 10 percent year over year. And we expect the smartphone segment will grow much faster. People can do more with smartphones which offer advanced capabilities and PC-like functionality, and this is definitely more attractive to consumers compared to feature phones.”

That final point is a statement that rings true to the majority of business and regular smartphone users. The additional capabilities of a smartphone and its ability to synchronise with PC applications make it the ideal component. However, the speed in which technology is shifting means there will always be consumers left behind. Casual mobile phone users will continue to use ‘classic’ feature phones despite the quickening growth of the smartphone sector.

Author: Nick Wilkins
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Import duty tariff

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A Short History of the Smartphone

Friday, March 5th, 2010

Modern technology moves fast and furious, especially when it comes to capabilities of the smartphone. Just what is a “smartphone”? Actually there are no agreed upon or exact definitions for the term. Most would agree however that smartphones do more – much more – than what Alexander Graham Bell first envisioned when he invented the original telephone back in the 1870s.

Definition

The smartphone differs from ordinary mobile phones in that they are capable of advanced functionality because they contain software applications that can be run directly from the phone itself. This software is typically open-source, an advantage that makes adding applications as easy as loading them onto the phone via wireless downloads. Today, these devices are not considered very “smart” unless they can accomodate a datebook/calendar, advanced internet connectivity, photography, music and even video capability.

Origins

IBM was the first to venture into the business of offering consumers a highly advanced mobile phone. In 1993, the company introduced what could be considered the world’s smartphone – simply called Simon. Considered low-end by today’s standard, this first smartphone featured an amazing array of features – email, address book, clock, calendar, note pad, and even the ability to send and receive faxes.

During the mid-90’s, Nokia began to heat things up by introducing its first line of smartphone – the Nokia 9000 series. This phone was not only the first in a series of popular smart phones manufactured by Nokia, they were also the most expensive, coming in at 20-40% more costly than its rivals. The Nokia 9210 was indeed the first real and true smartphone due to its open operating system.

Cutting Edge Smart Phones

The 21st century has spawned smartphones that are incredibly powerful and easy to use. Touch-screen functionality has become the norm and manufacturers such as Apple, Nokia and Research in Motion are furiously vying for the smartphone consumer and business dollar.

Apple changed the smartphone industry with its introduction of the Apple iPhone in 2007. Nokia has since countered with the unveiling of its Nokia XPress Music Phone in 2008. The Nokia 5800 is a touch-screen lovers dream that includes just about every feature a user would want. The handset even comes with millions of downloadable music tracks at no cost. Google recently joined the fray by introducing it Android phone during the same time period.

The Future

Could the smartphone get any smarter than it already is? Sure can! In the not so distant future, virtually everyone on earth will be carrying some type of smartphone – devices that will make today’s handsets pale in comparison. Increased bandwidth and speed will allow phones to be able to handle video in real-time with no problem. In the future, these mobile handsets will be indispensable to daily life, used for a wide array of functions, including consumer purchases, banking, real-time video connectivity, advanced GPS tracking, entertainment and much more.

Author: James P Martin
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Benefits of electric pressure cooker

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Smartphones – The World in Your Pocket

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

Will Smartphones replace the PC?

There is no universally agreed-upon definition as to what constitutes a Smartphone: for some, it is a mobile phone with operating system and other application software, for others, it is a phone with more capabilities and features than a standard mobile phone. No matter how you define it, this technological marvel has come a long way since IBM introduced the first Smartphone, called Simon, in 1992. In the 16 years since Simon was created, the Smartphone has evolved into a hybrid of a mobile phone and a PC.

From the start, these devices have been perfect for business travelers, making it possible to monitor email and keep track of appointments. Now, with Microsoft Windows Mobile software, one can have the convenience of the office on a Smartphone. Applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and of course, the internet can be accessed without the hassle of lugging around a laptop. Early versions of the Smartphone used handwriting or touchpad technology to send emails, but many models now come with QWERTY keyboards that provide more accuracy and ease of use.

In addition to the serious, work or school related features that make these devices so indispensable, most come with cameras, the capability to play DVDs and download music, and play games. Of course, of the growing number of available applications are not all about either work or fun and games. GPS Navigation software provides a level of convenience that many people find indispensable these days and, with so many features being added, having GPS Navigation software means much more than only finding one’s way around town.

The issue of security with Smartphones is an important one, given that so many business people use them. Currently, the devices are susceptible to hackers and vulnerable to viruses. Although some feel that these concerns are blown out of proportion by security providers, the industry is working on measures to make Smartphones more secure.

Another aspect that merits attention is the development of a variable geometry screen, which would be of benefit to many users. However, as the technology continues to explode, there will surely be new designs and features created to enhance the physical comfort and increase the efficiency of Smartphone users. Advances in the design and appearance of the device, along with more and more available software and programming options will surely increase the appeal of Smartphones to a wider audience.

Will Smartphones replace the PC? It certainly seems possible that, at the least, Smartphones will continue to grow in popularity. Their incredibly convenient size and versatility of design make them a favorite among business travelers, who tend to help dictate the direction of this wide-open area of technology. And, with the constantly growing availability of software applications, like Microsoft Windows Mobile and GPS Navigation systems, it would seem that eventually, there will be nothing a Laptop can do that cannot be accomplished with a Smartphone!

Author: M Salem
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Electric Pressure Cooker

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SmartPhones Let Your Small Business Connect from Anywhere

Saturday, February 27th, 2010

Ready to trade in your cell phone and PDA for a Smartphone? Let’s start with the basics…

What’s a Smartphone?

A Smartphone is your cell phone and PDA (Portable Data Assistant) joined, allowing verbal communication by phone and visual by email and text messaging. Other capabilities include Internet, fax, and data transfers between your office computer and the Smartphone. There are pros and cons to switching over, just like anything else.

The Pros

With just a Smartphone, there’s one less item to carry or forget. You’ve got Internet access for directions, email or quick info. Scaled-down versions of certain computer applications are available. By using a keyboard instead of a phone pad, it becomes easier to type long messages.

The Cons

The initial cost is approximately three times more than a regular mobile phone (including additional fees for network service access). If you’re set on a small mobile phone, the larger Smartphone may feel a bit bulky. It could take a while to get used to using it, and text-heavy messages can be a bit difficult to read on the smaller. Finding your way around and understanding all of the features has a bit of a learning curve. So now that you’re ready to invest in a Smartphone, which one will you buy and what factors affect this decision?

Service Contract

Before deciding what hardware to purchase, carefully examine the plans that various service providers are offering. If purchasing the hardware and plan together, you may get good discounts for a package plan. Make sure your plan covers usage since charges can be a costly lesson learned. You will want to know exactly what you will pay before the bill arrives.

Select a Model

After finding a plan you like, your selection of a model will be down to just a few. Which features can you live without? An MP3 player and camera may be nice features to have, but big files may fill up your memory and browsing the Internet could be slow.

Test the Smartphone

Allow time to play and window shop, to make sure your Smartphone is comfortable to use. If not, you may consider adding a Bluetooth device. Feel the weight of it too. It’s great to have plenty of memory, but if the device is too cumbersome to carry with you then you won’t use it. See how things are organized on the phone. Does its organization make sense to you? Can you to find what you’re looking for? You may want to consider purchasing software to better organize it to your style.

Sync Your Smartphone

Evaluate the options for software to handle synchronizing contact and other data with your or your organizations existing systems. While there is free software available on the Web, the current standard is Microsoft Windows Mobile for Smartphones 5.0. For a review of the Smartphones that come packaged with Microsoft Windows Mobile, visit the Microsoft website. Consulting with your IT service provider is wise, to resolve any issues there may be with integrating the new systems.

Many businesses are now seeing the opportunity in using a Smartphone for mobile workers. If you travel frequently, consider a solution that could let you leave your heavy laptop behind. The time has come.

Author: Nick Pegley
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: PCB Prototype & Manufacturing

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Smartphones and PDA’s – The New Super Bundle

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

As technology and commerce have advanced, business minded individuals have demanded to have communication devices that can keep up with the times. Cellphones were a revolution in themselves, but smartphones and pda’s are the next step in mobile communication evolution. Smartphones are drastically more versatile than any pc, infinitely smaller than laptops and are more feature-rich than most cellular phones.

Smartphones are in high demand because of the features included with these devices. With a single smartphone you could essentially replace your laptop, cellphone and blue tooth devices. Smartphones allow users to browse the internet, receive and send mail, download applications from the internet, listen to music and watch internet broadcasts.

Most smart phones now days are compact enough to fit into your pocket or purse easily. Smart phones can be very stylish as well. There are plenty of custom face plates and designs that can be added to your smartphone or pda. Another important feature of pda’s and smartphones are the integrated keypads and stylus. There are a variety of keyboards that can be used with these devices.

There are so many companies putting out smartphones and pda devices that the prices are much lower now than a few years ago. Studies show that smartphone sales are due to increase about 50% in the next few years. With the great features like email, integrated cameras, games, mp3 players and multimedia messaging it is no surprise that smartphones and pda’s are becoming the choice device for the business sector as well as for the average joe user. The two biggest sellers of smart phones and pda’s at the moment are HTC, Palm and Samsung.

Author: Mark Young
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Smart cooker

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Touch Screen Smartphone

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Mobile technology is getting more futuristic day by day, thanks to continuing development. Mobile phones have become much more functional than being only a device for communication purposes. Smartphones are mobile phones with advanced features and great functionality. Usually smartphones offer PC-like functionality in your hands. In fact a smartphone is a phone that provides a standardized interface and platform and runs complete operating system. It is great device for application developers. For common users, it is phone which offers features like internet, e-mail and an e-book reader. In short, it acts like a mini PC with phone features. In popular demand, new smartphones are being launched every few days and have more advanced features like powerful processors, large screens, huge memory and the open operating systems. One more advanced feature which has made smartphone truly futuristic, is the presence of touch screen.

There are many smartphones in the market which have screen touch operations instead of a QWERTY keyboard. A smartphone with QWERTY keyboard has complete keyboard provided embedded into the main panel or below the slider. On the other hand, these smartphones do not have the physical buttons or keys. To perform any function, you need to press an active point on the screen. This touch technology is taking the mobile industry by storm. Most of the touchscreen phones have several function keys and the navigation pods. Apple iPhone is a popular touchscreen smartphone.

There are many serious users who are getting attracted to these smartphones. The first reason is the sleek and stylish looks of a touchscreen smartphone. Operating a touch phone lets you feel like you are operating a futuristic device. It makes a common user very confident. Touch screens save lots of your time when working with information.

These phones allow you view and manage huge chunks of information at just few touches. Apple has connected its smartphone to their iTune service to improve the flow of information. They have also introduced the Safari browser to enhance the functionality and utility. All these features can be easily operated and the flow of information can be enjoyed using the sophisticated touch screen user interface. With this functionality, latest versions of mobile browsers are offering improved overall experience.

To provide better functionality of the Microsoft Office Mobile, these smartphones are provided with a touch screen. It saves you from connecting a mouse. And certain multimedia and internet features are best used with touch screen. Some of the most popular touch screen smartphone include like of Apple iPhone, HTC Moghul, T-Mobile Wing, Samsung SCH-i760 and others.

Author: Monty Alexander
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Wordpress plugin Guest Blogger

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Enter The World Of Communication In A Smart Way With Smartphones

Monday, February 15th, 2010

The tide of communication technology is moving towards a ’smart’ direction. We have made a glorious entry into the world of ’smartphones’. Nowadays, mobile phones are not just used for chatting with people. In fact, the ’smart’ phones of today offers a multitude of ’smart’ functionalities that help to shrink the world to such a size that you can fit it inside your pocket!

A smartphone is a full-featured mobile phone with PC-like functionality. It is any high-end phone with multiple features and sophisticated functionalities. The ’smart’ functionality of a smartphone includes any additional interface, such as a QWERTY keyboard, a touch screen or even a secure access to company e-mail.

Smartphones are basically voice-centric devices that offer PDA-like capabilities. A voice-centric device is one in which voice is the primary function and data is the secondary function. The PDA-like functionalities offered by a smartphone include, calendar, address book, to-do list, automatic notices and contact list. Palm Treo 650 is one of the most advanced smartphones in the market.

Apart from providing the digital voice service, smartphones offer advanced information access features that find immense popularity among the travelling professionals, such as the sales managers.

The information access features that you can expect in smartphones are:

  • wireless e-mail
  • Internet/Web browsing
  • fax
  • intercom
  • Personal Information Management (PIM)
  • online banking
  • LAN connectivity
  • Graffiti style data entry
  • local as well as remote data transfer between phone and computer

A smartphone is a great choice for those professionals who spend a significant amount of their time travelling round the globe. Such people require frequent access to their e-mails, Internet, calendar and other mobile applications while they are on move, say on business tours.

The major operating system environments in which smartphones operate are:

  • Symbian
  • Microsoft Windows Mobile
  • Blackberry
  • Palm

Symbian and Microsoft dominate the smartphone market.

Let’s move in the ‘right’ direction in a ’smart’ way! Broaden the realm of your communication with a smartphone.

Author: Draven John
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Bumper guardian

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Smartphones Becoming A Reality

Friday, February 12th, 2010

As technology continues to advance, telephones are becoming smarter and are in fact now being referred to as Smartphones. Smartphones are mobile devices that can carry out other functions, including storing personal data. When cell phones are combined with PDAs it becomes a Smartphone. A PDA is a Personal Digital Assistant or Palmtop. The majority of cellular phones on the market today could be classified as Smartphones.

Smartphones can be upgraded to perform other tasks. Many Smartphones can play MP3 Media and Audio recordings, can work as a digital camera, web camera, a video game console, calculator, a cell phone, digital photo viewer, or a remote control.

Technology is about to unveil new applications with Smartphones, the VoIP or VoWiFi Smartphones. The blueprint for tomorrow will empower Smartphones with the capacity to locate wireless connections at many hotspots. Although this technology is new, it is already gaining acceptance and customers eagerly wait for its arrival.

VoIP has already taken the world by storm and customers globally are abandoning the landlines and communicating over the Internet. Many Instant Messaging programs have turned to VoIP and users worldwide are at last experiencing the power of VoIP for themselves. Programs such as Yahoo Voice, MSN, AOL, ICQ, and even Google’s new instant messaging service are all equipped with voice. Your computer with a High Speed Internet Connection, coupled with speakers and a microphone, and speakers can be used for unlimited pc-to-pc calls worldwide.

Skype became one of the earliest Instant Messengers to offer free VoIP pc-to-pc calls. Skype is now making headlines again as it launches the Skype integrated VoIP Smartphone.

VoIP has become universally accepted and consumers far and wide are opting for the freedom, flexibility, and cost savings obtained by switching to VoIP. Wireless technology has merged with VoIP, and the future points to a wireless VoIP phone. These phones are known as VoWiFi, or Voice Over Wireless Fidelity.

Although there are still numerous issues and concerns pertaining to VoIP and wireless technology, the two are gaining momentum in both acceptance and demand. People demand smart products. Cell phones are already serving as dual video cameras, are able to browse the Internet, and can record music, video, and play computer games. There is no reason to expect that as WiFi becomes increasingly popular that WiFi phones won’t be even more intelligent.

The Skype Smartphone is currently designed to provide communications absolutely free between Skype users, and in all likelyhood will be free when using wireless hotspots, though this can’t be absolutely determined.

VoIP has faced numerous challenges and obstacles and is currently facing new rules and regulations by the FCC. Issues such as 911 and the facility to trace VoIP calls are making headline news. What the future has in store for VoIP and VoWiFi is uncertain, but major corporations are already preparing their services and developing products in anticipation that VoIP and WiFi are here to stay.

Certain security features need to be addressed and wireless networks will need to assure consumers that their data will remain secure before the world will surrender itself fully to wireless, but many people are already enjoying the cost savings from using VoWiFi phones in wireless hotspots. At least for now, no roaming charges apply to WiFi use, and users welcome this savings enthusiastically . Wireless will become the choice American businesses. Smartphones, VoWiFi with new wireless security, and new services and products are expected to hit the both the business and consumer markets full force.

As we anticipate new products and services, we can begin to explore the early stages of what this technology has to offer. Cingular has already begun their VoWiFi service and phones, and new wireless access spots are coming online daily. Before wireless completely replace the plug-in world, consumers will need to be assured that their data, voice communications, and E-mails will be positively safe. This includes upgrading security defence against viruses, Trojans, and worms, which could potentially infect wireless systems and affect the future of wireless VoWiFi Smartphones.

Author: Jay Mark
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Programmable Pressure Cooker

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