SMART PHONES WILL RULE THE FUTURE BUT WHO IS GOING TO GET THE MOST OUT OF IT?

I bet any mobile communication company will gave anything enjoy such a success in any any given market. Lets face the facts, Apple is a rock star, celebrity, diva or state of the art company that will always something about the owner. Well even if it does not, it achieves one a sense of satisfaction... Thanks to the fines insisted on by the legendary Steve Jobs, may he rest in peace.
According to the apple press “iPhone 4S is off to a great start with more than four million sold in its first weekend—the most ever for a phone and more than double the iPhone 4 launch during its first three days,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “iPhone 4S is a hit with customers around the world, and together with iOS 5 and iCloud, is the best iPhone ever.” I do believe that this sales were only possible given the fact that Iphone 4S launched on more than one carrier unlike in the past. Had it been as speculated you know 4.0 screen, 4G and all those features then rest assured the figures could be totally out of this world.
Apple's hay making days may be over since the death of Steve Jobs but if the rumors are true that the company has a 4 product plan with Steve Job's approval then all we have to do is wait and see. A couple of phone manufacturers are gunning for the number spot. The operating system platform seems to be more of a two race horse Android and IOS no pun intented for the likes Windows, Symbian, RIM and Bada.
Talking of the number one spot, it goes without saying that Samsung seems to be determined to make it. From putting up a fight with Apple to its aggressive expansion strategy which has seen the company set up in almost all parts of the world not forgetting the developing world. Samsung Electronics Co. surpassed Apple Inc. in smartphone sales in the July-September quarter, according to the Korean company's mobile chief and industry reports. Shin Jong-kyun, president of Samsung's mobile division, estimated the company had shipped more than 20 million smartphones in the third quarter. Market analysts and media reports estimate that Samsung shipped between 23 million and 28 million smartphones in the last three months, helped by the rollout of the Galaxy S2 smartphone in the spring.
Android has many manufacturers betting on it for their growth. So far there are a couple of success stories from the likes of Samsung and HTC. Sony Ericsson is one of the that has decided to adopt android platform wholly on its Xperia range of phones.

In October, it was speculated that Sony was discussing a buyout of its 50:50 mobile phone venture with Ericsson, which would help it recoup ground in the battle against Apple Inc and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd .The buyout would boost Sony's overall offering, which includes content, gaming devices, consumer electronics and even tablet computers, but is still missing its own smartphones.
Analysts believe the world's ninth largest handset maker can only succeed in attracting avid gadget users away from its rivals by being fully integrated into Sony's wide portfolio of devices and getting access to the Japanese electronic giant's entertainment assets, like PlayStation and music catalogues. So far these features are available in its 2011 product range such as the Xmor R and Bravia Engine
Smartphones currently account for around 80 percent of all Sony Ericson sales and the company’s share of the global Android-based smartphone market during the quarter was approximately 12 percent in volume and 11 percent in value. This could grow bigger as the company looks to enter the emerging market and as it also shifts its focus to smart phones on the android platform and more integration of Sony. Sony Ericsson will also have to go head-to-head with Apple, whose new iPhone caused queues at stores across the globe as well as Samsung and the Huawei who have more aggressive approach.
Android has come a long way but it seems to be quit a force to reckon with especially with the launch of the Ice cream Sand witch on the Nexus one. Ice Cream Sandwich arrives at an interesting time. In recent months, both Apple and Microsoft have introduced revamped versions of their operating systems – Apple with iOS 5 and Microsoft with Mango. Android 4.0 builds on the things people love most about Android – efficient multitasking, rich notifications, customizable home screens, resizable widgets, and deep interactivity – and adds powerful new ways of communicating and sharing. It includes many great features for users, including social and sharing integration, network data usage control, innovative connectivity and camera options, and an updated set of standard apps. This spells one thing, the future is dual core and I am very sure that come mobile world congress in Barcelona, a lot of phones are going to be announced that will be super fast with amazing capabilities.
Huawei and ZTE are new members of the smartphone club and they are the ones to watch out for. Until now they were hidden in other, but they have grown enough to be recognized on their own merits. Huawei, especially, delivered a splendid performance last quarter, with the highest relative growth of all smartphone vendors. This year Motorola and Sony Ericsson have managed to grow with the market, but that’s about it. LG, on the other hand manages to grow somewhat stronger; passing Sony Ericsson in the process.
It’s in the Big Five that most of the change has happened in 2011. HTC is growing, while RIM is shrinking and it might be worse if its consumers are to take the 3 black out seriously. Will HTC promote from 5th to 4th place in Q3? It’s not impossible; RIM is in trouble. Where in Q1 several Android vendors saw decreased sales (and Nokia saw lots of them), in Q2 the only loser (apart from Nokia) is RIM.
Alot has been let out and am sure all is more of the must have gadgets for this Christmas. What is your bet come 2012? As far as i am concerned we need smart phones in Kenya just before the roll out of the 4G platform. This market is up for grab.