How can you make the smart call?
By Adrian Weckler
What is a smartphone? Is it an all in-one computing device that also makes calls? Or is it merely a sleek mobile panel that relies on downloading apps for its functionality? As we report in our cover story (page 8), it is a mixture of both.
Yes, it is nice to have GPS, push e-mail and a large memory. But if your smartphone cannot download apps, it is starting to look redundant.
And so, later this month, Samsung will become the latest major mobile manufacturer to launch its own app store. Its platform, called ‘Wave’, will join Nokia, Rim (Blackberry),Google (Android),Microsoft (Windows Mobile),Vodafone and Apple in the queue to get your apps custom. Not all of these platforms will succeed.
But the investment that manufacturers and operators are putting into them is a recognition that downloadable mobile applications are becoming the most important part of a smartphone’s selling point.
In last month’s magazine, we listed the most important business apps for each smartphone platform. This month, we examine the top smartphones themselves.
As is still evident, Apple’s iPhone remains peerless when it comes to the depth and range of apps available, both for business and lifestyle use.
But other platforms are beginning to show promise. Google’s Android Market, which is now available on half a dozen handsets, is now the undisputed rival to Apple’s App Store. Blackberry’s App World, although tiny by comparison, has very decent apps available.
Nokia, which has for a long time muddled along with a sub-standard Ovi app store, is finally starting to show signs of waking up to what must be done. Even Microsoft and Vodafone are at it, with Marketplace and 360 App Shop, respectively.
Apps are now a core part of a smartphone’s functionality. They are responsible for boutique devices such as the iPhone now being an option for business customers across Ireland. But are they enough to convince you to choose an iPhone over a Blackberry?
