Design and Tech Trends for Mobiles and SmartphonesFew technological devices have come further, faster than the mobile phone. What began as a bulky, unreliable, and unpopular gadget is now the most ubiquitous communication device on the planet. In fact, according to a recent industry estimate, there are well over three billion working mobile phones. That makes them three times as popular as the computer. With those kinds of numbers, it is no wonder that the mobile phone industry is one of the largest and most profitable in the world today. Perhaps that is why companies like Apple, who previously had not had any experience with mobiles, have suddenly thrown their hats in the ring. In 2007, Apple started several new design and tech trends when they introduced the iPhone. From the very beginning, the iPhone was a feat of engineering genius that captured the imagination and the cash of the average consumer. Later, when the company opened their App Store, it was no surprise when it smashed all records. For those of you who have never been there, the App Store is an online site that lets iPhone and iPod Touch users download applications or apps, often for a nominal fee. These apps are nothing more than mini computer programs that give user a variety of fun and helpful features. In the end, it was Apple that awaken everyone in the industry to the potential of modern apps when they announced that their App Store had recently performed its one billionth download. And though Apple and their iPhone are still on the top of the heap, every other mobile phone company is working overtime just to catch up. |