Its Raining Smartphones!

Smartphones have rapidly become the most pervasive techno device of our times – and with good reason too – by helping us to stay connected, well informed, entertained and occupied all the time. In this process, they Smartphones have also become a tremendous money spinner for a lot of companies in the technological arena. Take Samsung and LG for example - otherwise electronic giants, these companies have turned into smartphone leaders on the basis of just one or two successful models.

On the other hand, dedicated phone manufacturers have seemed to suffer – RIM and Nokia are a case in the point. Maybe it is indicative of our preference to a wholesome lifestyle device – we don’t want just a “phone” anymore. Makers like Samsung and LG seem to have a better sense of public preference than the cell phone giants.

Then, of course, is Apple – in its own class by itself. All its products manage to become market leaders – and the iPhone is no exception. Between new launches and reboots every year, Apple lovers manage to keep themselves engaged with rumors about the next launch!

Embarrassment of Riches – More Smartphone Launches

The best way to survive and thrive for smartphone makers seems to be launching new models very regularly. Some keep doing it very regularly, while some do it once in while but in style (like Apple). The last few days have seen an avalanche of new launches – with the more promised in days to come. Of course, the most awaited event – launch of Apple iPhone 5 – is expected on 12 September 2012.

A number of US based tech websites and journalists received a very well designed and intriguing invite from Apple. A large 12, casting a shadow that reads “5”, the invite has piqued the interest of observers. Most consider it an announcement to launch the much awaited iPhone 5, with more devices to follow a bit later. Expect more frenzy to build up in the days to come, and extensive coverage of the event, followed by months of analysis – this has been the trend with every Apple product launch.

Samsung ATIV S

One notable feature of recent and upcoming launches is the possible re-emergence of Windows – in comparison to Android which is the current market and buyer favorite. Microsoft and Samsung recently announced the launch of a new smartphone range featuring Windows 8 – the first such phone – called Ativ S. Also, Samsung launched Galaxy Note II – its latest update of the surprisingly successful phablet – Galaxy Note.

Another well anticipated smartphone launch has been that of Windows 8 based Nokia Lumia phones.  On 5 September, 2012, Nokia finally announced the launch of two different models in its Lumia Series – Lumia 820 with 4.3” AMOLED screen, and Lumia 920 with 4.5” HD IPS screen and the much praised PureView 8.7mp camera. The Lumia series has enjoyed a mixed success till date, and Nokia will certainly hope that the recent launches put it back in the reckoning in the consumer mindscape.

September 2012 will see two other high profile smartphone launches. First, HTC has announced a media event on the 19^th to launch multiple devices. The second will be LG – the company will launch its first 4G LTE phone, which is also the world’s first phone to feature a quad core processor.

In Indian context, many observers have been surprised at the runaway success of Smartphones – after all, they are expensive devices, and the Indian buyer is reputed to be a conservative one, and seeking value for money. But again, another recent piece of news puts this into perspective, and perhaps explains the success of Smartphones. The news regards a recent research report that reveals that in India, more people access internet from Smartphones than from computers. Perhaps, the Indian buyer has concluded that internet access is cheaper and more convenient this way – and this assumption is supported by the very affordable plans that mobile operators are offering.