Close
  • Latest News
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
Read Down
Sign in
Close
Welcome!Log into your account
Forgot your password?
Read Down
Password recovery
Recover your password
Close
Search
Logo
Logo
  • Latest News
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
More
    Home Applications
    • Applications
    • Mobile
    • Networking
    • PC Hardware

    10 Essential Smartphone Features for 2011 Models

    By
    Don Reisinger
    -
    December 29, 2010
    Share
    Facebook
    Twitter
    Linkedin

      PrevNext

      110 Essential Smartphone Features for 2011 Models

      1

      by Don Reisinger

      2A Big Display

      2

      If the past year in smartphones was marked by anything, it was undoubtedly larger screen sizes. The Motorola Droid X, for example, launched with a 4.3-inch display this year, causing some to wonder how much longer Apple will offer a 3.5-inch offering on its iPhone. In 2011, smartphones are going to need bigger displays to appeal to the greatest number of consumers.

      3A Solid Touch Screen

      3

      The iPhone and several Android-based devices have ensured that a solid touch screen is an absolute necessity in todays mobile market. Realizing that, it would be nice to see every smartphone next year feature the kind of responsiveness that consumers have come to expect. More devices boasted those better displays this year, but in 2011 an effective touch screen is a must for every smartphone.

      4The Right OS

      4

      There are still far too many smartphones in the wild running older versions of Android, simply because vendors havent been able to deliver their own versions of the new OS yet. Thats a problem. In 2011, manufacturers of Android-based devices better deliver the latest version of the operating system as soon as possible.

      5Carrier Agnosticism

      5

      As Googles Android platform continues to gain popularity, the iPhones biggest negative factor, the fact that its available only to AT&T customers, will become even more an issue in 2011. Next year, vendors will be required to offer their smartphones on at least two carrier networks, but preferably most of them. Its the standard that all vendors, regardless of operating system, must remember.

      6A Physical Keyboard for the Enterprise

      6

      The corporate world is a vastly different marketplace than the consumer space. Customers in that market are searching for different things than consumers. One of the main things enterprise customers look for is a physical keyboard. It simply delivers more employee productivity than virtual counterparts. That doesnt mean physical keyboards should be offered in every device, but they should continue to be bundled with corporate-focused devices.

      7Bigger and Better App Stores

      7

      Apps have become central to the success or failure of mobile operating systems. Thats precisely why Apple and Google have invested so heavily there. But in 2011, every mobile OS maker will be expected to attract developers and offer as many third-party apps as possible. Its a matter of value. And consumers wont see value in mobile operating systems that lack a healthy supply of third-party apps.

      8Multitasking

      8

      Before the iPhone boasted multitasking, some wondered how long it would take before Apple would finally offer it on its mobile software platform. Now that it is available in iOS, and Android users continue to enjoy multitasking, all devices in 2011 will be required to have that feature available on their software. Multitasking is an absolute necessity.

      9Video Conferencing

      9

      When Apple offered the iPhone 4 earlier this year, the company also unveiled a new service, called FaceTime. It allows users to video chat with other iPhone 4 owners over WiFi. Its an experience that some folks have enjoyed, but many more will want to gain access to this feature in 2011. The devices that feature video chatting will go that much further in appealing to consumer desire.

      10Better Antennas

      10

      After Apple launched its iPhone 4, it quickly became clear that there was a problem afoot. Users claimed that when they held the smartphone in a particular way saw their signal strength decline. The issue prompted Apple CEO Steve Jobs to hold a news conference and show why the iPhone 4 was one of many mobile devices that had the same problem. In 2011, it would be nice to see every smartphone provide a fix for that issue. Not only would it make consumers happy, but it would go a long way in proving that vendors really care about the usability issues affecting their customers today.

      114G Capability

      11

      This might be a tall order, since AT&T still hasnt ramped up its 4G network for commercial purposes, but it would be nice to see every smartphone launch next year with the ability to connect to a 4G network. There are some devices on store shelves now that do boast that ability, but theyre few and far between. Maybe a Verizon iPhone would jump start that 4G craze.

      PrevNext

      MOST POPULAR ARTICLES

      Cybersecurity

      Visa’s Michael Jabbara on Cybersecurity and Digital...

      James Maguire - May 17, 2022 0
      I spoke with Michael Jabbara, VP and Global Head of Fraud Services at Visa, about the cybersecurity technology used to ensure the safe transfer...
      Read more
      Cloud

      Yotascale CEO Asim Razzaq on Controlling Multicloud...

      James Maguire - May 5, 2022 0
      Asim Razzaq, CEO of Yotascale, provides guidance on understanding—and containing—the complex cost structure of multicloud computing. Among the topics we covered:  As you survey the...
      Read more
      Big Data and Analytics

      GoodData CEO Roman Stanek on Business Intelligence...

      James Maguire - May 4, 2022 0
      I spoke with Roman Stanek, CEO of GoodData, about business intelligence, data as a service, and the frustration that many executives have with data...
      Read more
      IT Management

      Intuit’s Nhung Ho on AI for the...

      James Maguire - May 13, 2022 0
      I spoke with Nhung Ho, Vice President of AI at Intuit, about adoption of AI in the small and medium-sized business market, and how...
      Read more
      Android

      Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro: Durability for Tough...

      Chris Preimesberger - December 5, 2020 0
      Have you ever dropped your phone, winced and felt the pain as it hit the sidewalk? Either the screen splintered like a windshield being...
      Read more
      Logo

      eWeek has the latest technology news and analysis, buying guides, and product reviews for IT professionals and technology buyers. The site’s focus is on innovative solutions and covering in-depth technical content. eWeek stays on the cutting edge of technology news and IT trends through interviews and expert analysis. Gain insight from top innovators and thought leaders in the fields of IT, business, enterprise software, startups, and more.

      Facebook
      Linkedin
      RSS
      Twitter
      Youtube

      Advertisers

      Advertise with TechnologyAdvice on eWeek and our other IT-focused platforms.

      Advertise with Us

      Menu

      • About eWeek
      • Subscribe to our Newsletter
      • Latest News

      Our Brands

      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Sitemap
      • California – Do Not Sell My Information

      Property of TechnologyAdvice.
      © 2021 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

      Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.

      ×