Mobile Platforms: Who will survive?

[Sunray]

So you're saying that software availability or quality will never have any impact?

I believe it will*

* edit: I'm talking about high end phones here, not the 3210 type stuff.

Are you talking about the OS or the software that runs on it.

 

[editor]

So you're saying that software availability or quality will never have any impact?

I'm saying that so long as the various platforms continue to offer the functionality that consumers are looking for in an attractive, reasonably priced package, then I see no reason why any of the major platforms should suddenly disappear.

Palm was all but written off, but there's already enormous interest in the Pre - which runs a brand new operating system.

Cool applications are obviously important, but for most people it's the core functionality and usability that matters most. Most smartphones already come with more features than the average user needs, and I can't see niche applications making much difference in the big picture.

The iPhone sells because it has a fantastic interface in a superb user-friendly package, rather than the fact that there's zillions of mainly shite third party apps available (most of which are instantly forgettable).