Smart phones keep making other devices obsolete

In the space of little over five years mobile phones have progressed from gadgets primarily used for voice calls and texting to an appliance that can be used for a myriad of other purposes including; web browsing, sending and receiving emails, GPS, stills and video camera, and also as a music player.

Advancements in WiFi and 3G data network technologies combined with a significant reduction in call, browsing and text costs has been key to the mobile device development phenomenon. Throw into the mix the fact that growing processor capabilities now allow for more in-device storage at a fraction of the 2003 price, and it is easy to see why mobile phones are now becoming indispensible ‘do-it-all’ devices.

The launch of the iphone 3G in the UK has drawn much attention, mainly due to the fact that it is available only on the O2 network, but the facilities available on the phone have also renewed the public’s interest in smart phones just as many devices are coming to market.

Indeed, the timing of Apple’s launch couldn’t have been better as most of the major mobile phone manufacturers are also on the verge of launching their own new smart phone products, allowing them to capitalise on that revived interest. Nokia, Motorola, LG and others are all bringing new phones to the market that are guaranteed to give the iphone a run for its money. Indeed, with all the fuss about the iPhone, the public could be forgiven for not realising that Nokia, amongst others, also had a product on the market capable of full internet browsing over high-speed data and WiFi networks, and boasts a 5 megapixel camera to boot.

However, the mobile phone innovations aren’t likely to stop coming as each manufacturer and retailer attempts to outdo their rivals with new ways to package mobile phones and tariff deals. Nokia comes with music is due to be launched in autumn 2008 and is another example of how the worlds of mobile phone communications and music are becoming inextricably linked. Purchasers of the phone will be given unlimited access to over two million tunes in the Nokia music store, and can download them permanently to their device, which can also be transferred to their PC.

It all makes perfect sense; why carry multiple devices such as phone, MP3 player and camera, when one will do? In addition, most allow internet access that also adds the functionality of the phone, making them akin to a small PC.

It seems certain then that as more and more functions are added to smart phones and the purchase price drops, it seems only a matter of time before we all start using them.

Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.