In this Register story there’s plenty of info about the way things are developing in the Smartphone arena. While some, like the Microsoft Smartphones (C500 / SMT 5600) are getting smaller and smaller by the day, other smartphones are in fact getting larger. Some highlights from the article are below..
“What we’re seeing is an increasing demand for bigger displays,” said one designer. “The move away from two-handed operation with a pen, to single-hand operation, is just one trend.”
What’s more important, said this source, is the need for the operating software to drive both portrait mode and landscape mode screens. “And a landscape mode screen includes a whole range of new tablet-like devices, some for video display, even for TV – others unashamedly PDAs.”
The market for small phones remains good, but the trend seen five years ago has been reversed. Where it was necessary to produce the smallest possible device to fit into pockets and handbags and simply make and receive calls, the development of smart phones with extra features has started making the owners of tiny phones envious of the clear, bright displays of those who use them for email, for appointments, and even for video messaging.
At Microsoft, the trend which took the Pocket PC and shrunk it down to the C500 smartphone is creating new sales. But at the same time, the rebound is visible; the XDA IIi is unashamedly a PDA, and a big one, with a full keyboard plus WiFi as well as GSM wireless – and it is selling better than expected.
Full story – theregister.co.uk