After seeing all the coverage of The Wall Street Journal’s article about Google and Samsung being frienemies, I found myself wondering: Why, of all the companies angling for dominance in the smartphone space, has Samsung managed to claim the throne? What has Samsung done to truly distinguish itself? Does it deserve all the fame and fortune Android has bestowed upon it?
Five years ago, if you told me the future of computing was a mobile device, I would’ve politely disagreed, pointed out that a phone could never combine the functionality and ease of use of my trusty Windows desktop, and gone back to downloading cool extensions for Firefox. I might’ve also resisted the urge to laugh in your face.
By most accounts, I should now be laughing at myself. Earlier this year, based on at least one scientific study, the number of smartphone users surpassed dumbphone users in the United States. In 2011, smartphone manufacturers shipped over 470 million units, which itself was a 58% increase over shipments in 2010. It’s no mystery that the popularity of mobile devices has been skyrocketing in the past several years, and it’s likely we’re still only seeing the tip of the iceberg.
So, although some 41% of adult Americans are still clinging to their flip phones and clamshells, the dumbphone, like the dodo, shall pass. Thinking about jumping ship and casting your lot with we enlightened smartphone users? If so, this post is for you. Continue reading
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