News Analysis: A host of new smartphones are hitting store shelves and, given the rapid advances in mobile technology and the intense market competition, they're coming with many of the same features to attract customers.
The smartphone market is heating up in a big way, now that summer is on its
way and every company, from Samsung to Motorola, is trying to attract consumers
before Apple announces its new iPhone 5. Which models will prove popular with
consumers, however, is unknown at this point other than the one with the Apple
logo on it. But chances are that consumers won't be able to tell too much
difference between the many handsets that are expected to launch.
Unfortunately, the mobile market is becoming commoditized very rapidly.
Nearly everywhere one turns, they'll find devices from different vendors that
come with the same features.
One might say that it's the vendors responding to the market's demands,
while others might claim that it's cheaper to follow the crowd. In either case,
every major vendoreven Applewill offer smartphones this year that will have a
tough time breaking new ground.
Read
on to find out what key features are sure to be common in this year's
smartphone models.
1. 4G LTE
It's no secret that 4G LTE is the future of mobile connectivity, but this
year, vendors are ensuring that customers think it's the present. Every major
smartphone either available now or launching soon including the Samsung Galaxy
S III and, according to rumors,
the iPhone 5boasts 4G LTE service. Without it, smartphones will fall
behind.
2. 4-inch-or-larger displays
There was a time when 3-inch displays were the norm in the mobile
marketplace. But now that companies like HTC, LG and Samsung are launching new products
this year, they're all but requiring competitors to come up with
4-inch-or-larger options. Even Apple is expected to give its iPhone screen a
boost.
3. The latest OS flavors
There is simply no excuse for companiesespecially those in the Android
sectorlaunching devices without the latest version of a respective operating
system. In the Android market, devices running Ice Cream Sandwich must reign
supreme. In the Windows Phone 7 space, Mango is a must-have. At least so far,
all of the vendors are realizing that and delivering products that come with
the latest OS flavors.
4. Where are all the physical keyboards?
Although Research In Motion is one of the few holdouts, the idea of
launching a smartphone with a physical keyboard nowadays just doesn't appeal to
many consumers. So, the vast majority of companies in 2012 are ditching any and
all plans to offer a physical keyboard and opting instead for touch screens.
It's a good move.
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