While it's expected that handset sales will fall, the percentage of smart phones will grow, and with that the industry changes. "It will be less about hardware and more about software, services and content. In fact, for the first time, more will be spent this year on such intangibles than on the handsets themselves".
The Economist describe "the battle for the smart-phone's soul" (22 Nov 2008, pp. 85-86) noting that it has taken Apple and Google, two outsiders, to shake things up.
"But even if one [of the many platforms] comes out ahead, it is unlikely that the market will consolidate soon. Strong economic interests are keeping each platform alive. Google wants to get its services and advertising on mobile phones. Nokia is also betting on services as a source of growth. And handset-makers and operators will probably continue to support LiMo, if only because they do not want to depend on Google or Nokia."
The Economist describe "the battle for the smart-phone's soul" (22 Nov 2008, pp. 85-86) noting that it has taken Apple and Google, two outsiders, to shake things up.
"But even if one [of the many platforms] comes out ahead, it is unlikely that the market will consolidate soon. Strong economic interests are keeping each platform alive. Google wants to get its services and advertising on mobile phones. Nokia is also betting on services as a source of growth. And handset-makers and operators will probably continue to support LiMo, if only because they do not want to depend on Google or Nokia."
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