Full FeedWill there ever be an iPhone killer?
With the Mobile World Congress currently taking place, it’s safe to say that there are going to be some big releases; some amazing devices. Take the Palm Pre, shown back at CES, for example. It’s possible it may be released at the Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona. But the question I have, is will any of these devices be an iPhone killer? Will something take Apple off the top spot?
If we look at Apple as a company for a second, we see a big computer and consumer electronics company with a view to improving the world in their own way. The incredibly successful iPod range is the market leader for MP3 players by far, and by now companies have almost admitted that the iPod will always occupy the number 1 slot, at least for the foreseeable future. The computing side of Apple is somewhat of a highly thought out process in design and engineering. People recognize Apple for premium products in desktop and laptop computers, albeit a little more expensive than its Windows-based sibling; but when you’re using one for the first time, the price leaves your mind.
So, we know Apple nailed the music market and is doing nicely with their computer range steadily gaining on Microsoft. With that in mind, it’s not too difficult to think of the iPhone being at the forefront of mobile communications devices across all boards. Even today, people still get excited when they here there’s an iPhone in my pocket, and are constantly asking to “have a go.” That is practically unknown to happen around other phones. People see the iPhone as a powerful device, bearing the Apple logo, that has a certain aroma that attracts people towards it.
After saying this, however, the facts don’t show Apple as a clear winner. There’s no expandable memory. A two megapixel camera is below par by today’s standards. There’s no option for word processing on the device, a feature that is standard on many comparable smartphones available. And the ability to tether your iPhone to your laptop and use it as a modem is still not available, forcing some users to jailbreak for this tool.
An advantage of the iPhone’s is the large community behind it. Over 500 million applications have been downloaded, with almost all of those sales going to independent developers or external companies. But the Google Android OS and now Web OS from Palm both offer downloadable applications, and more freedom than is allowed with Apple SDK package for the iPhone.
So, it would appear the reasons behind the iPhone’s ongoing success are a little hazy. Sure, it’s a brilliant device that strikes a smile on everyone’s face, but the question is why? Nothing makes the iPhone really shine against its competitors other than the logo on the back; one that’s come to signify quality and excellence with design, and a solid engineering build.
Is this what will keep the iPhone at the top? Or will Palm, Google or HTC finally be the company to show the ability and future of mobile computing?
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why not, the Iphone is not invincible!!
on February 16, 2009 at 06:11 PM - LINKNow “Will there ever be…”, but when will there be…
A year? A decade? I would bet before two decades have passed we’ll be saying, “remember the iPhone craze?” If you don’t believe it, answer this: How many Walkman were sold this year?
on February 16, 2009 at 08:11 PM - LINKI don’t think the iPhone/walkman comparison is valid (the iPhone isn’t a “craze”), but you’re right. Of course the iPhone will eventually be knocked out of the top slot, either by competition or by the advancement of technology. I’m quite certain, though, that Apple will be ahead of the curve, and will have already moved on to something else.
on February 16, 2009 at 08:51 PM - LINKApple didn’t rush into phone market, but we expected they would at some time. I can imagine, as Kirk said, that Apple plan to stay, and its not in their nature to have a “second-best” device. I’m looking forward to seeing the iPhone progress over time, and as technology itself improves. I’m sure that whatever the industry throws at Apple, it’ll throw it back twice as good, but with an Apple logo on it.
on February 17, 2009 at 05:23 AM - LINKwhat a lot of people miss is that features are NOT the most important “feature” - its in fact usability. many people I know who got iphones NEVER planned on buying a smartphone ... but they love the iphone (and would never use it as a modem nor know what that even means).
on February 17, 2009 at 11:47 AM - LINKnot having used Android myself, howveer the tone in many reviews was - more features (minus multitouch), higher potential for apps etc - and “more technical” user interface, “iphone for developers”, ...
Surely Apple may no dominate whatever product group comes after smartphone/ ipod - but until than I dont see who else should take over