| The mobile phone market changed in 2007 when | | | | App-stores offering several applications for different |
| Apple launched its much-awaited iPhone. An Internet | | | | purposes.. So what else can now be done? |
| device, a music player and a phone all put together in | | | | The latest development in the mobile phone market |
| one slim device with a large touchscreen display and a | | | | has been the Android platform. First launched on the |
| user interface that has yet to be matched. The | | | | G1, Android is an open-source platform allowing |
| popularity and demand for the iPhone has been | | | | anyone to create applications for use on Android |
| overwhelming and customers are now moving away | | | | compatible handsets. This means users who are not |
| from traditional keypad handsets to touchscreen | | | | attracted to the iPhone or not willing to pay the price |
| smartphones. | | | | of getting an iPhone can use similar applications or |
| All major mobile phone manufacturers have since | | | | even applications not available on the iPhone on their |
| added several touchscreen handsets to their product | | | | handsets. |
| range but none have had the impact of the iPhone. | | | | The Android software is available on the HTC |
| Mobile phones are no longer luxurious - instead they | | | | T-Mobile G1 handset and other manufacturers have |
| are essential must have devices which no one can live | | | | their own Android handsets in the pipeline. There are |
| without. | | | | rumours of Nokia, Samsung and Motorola launching |
| Manufactures built phones, which had a higher camera | | | | their own Android based handsets in 2009, as well as |
| resolution then its rivals or launched new user | | | | the Android platform being launched on to |
| interfaces as it tried to compete and out sell the | | | | Smartphones. |
| iPhone. Instead, they battled amongst themselves with | | | | Internet phone service provider Skype has also |
| the iPhone sitting comfortably at the top. So what else | | | | announced a new version of its service for Google's |
| could be done to shake up the mobile phone market? | | | | Android mobile operating system. Developers are able |
| Smartphones started to become more popular. Once | | | | to create any programs they want depending on their |
| seen as a 'business orientated' handset, demand grew | | | | needs and requirements and make them available for |
| for handsets such as those in the Blackberry range as | | | | other Android users. |
| they allow users to send and receive emails wherever | | | | The iPhone fought back against the invasion of |
| they are and access the Internet with no hidden fees. | | | | smartphones and there are rumours that Apple are |
| With social networking sites becoming more popular, | | | | looking to integrate the Android platform on the iPhone. |
| applications to access Facebook accounts were | | | | Whether this happens is yet to be seen. How will |
| made available on smartphones leading to demand | | | | manufacturers and software programmers fight back |
| increasing further. | | | | from this attack by Apple? |
| The iPhone fought back with Apple creating its own | | | | The answer is to wait and see how the mobile phone |
| Facebook application. Apple and RIM (manufacturers | | | | market evolves. |
| of Blackberry handsets) have both created their own | | | | |