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The smartphone industry: application

Applications development

An important factor discussed in this article is the application development tools that the three different smartphones provide to their users.

IPhone applications are developed by users using Xcode, Apple’s integrated development environment (IDE). Xcode provides users with all the necessary tools to create the application they have in mind. Furthermore, it gives them the option to test the application in a simulator before running it on their personal device.

BlackBerry users can create their applications in cooperation with Java and using the JDE plugin for Eclipse. They have the ability to choose Java or web development. Also, when they want to create Java-based applications, they can choose between the Eclipse environment and the BlackBerry Java development environment. BlackBerry also provides its users with free downloadable online simulators for applications to be tested.

Through Windows Mobile, HTC mobile users can build their applications by reusing Visual Studio and NET development skills. The platform used for users to build their applications provides data connectivity and includes a wide range of programming models. Furthermore, it provides testing and debugging software to its users.

Multimedia

Moving on, an important factor is the multimedia functions provided by each smartphone.

In this area, the iPhone certainly makes a difference; due to its leading iTunes application that provides users with a fully functional iPod on their phone. Besides that, it includes a 3mpx camera, a voice recorder, movie projection and others.

BlackBerry includes an enhanced media player, a self-portrait mirror camera and flash mode, a 480 x 360-pixel screen, and more.

HTC received the award for best audio recorder in 2008 and also includes Windows Media Player 10, Live TV, an autofocus camera and others.

Standard applications

In addition, this section will analyze the standard applications provided by the three smartphones.

As far as the applications area is concerned, the iPhone is the leading smartphone in the applications area as it provides its users with applications for almost any use. Basic iPhone applications include YouTube, Actions, Maps, Weather Reports, Compass, and more; making it the most competitive phone in the smartphone industry.

BlackBerry also includes a wide variety of applications; however, it is especially famous, due to its BlackBerry messaging application which has become a necessary tool in the business world. BlackBerry Messenger can be used to exchange messages, pictures, voice memos, and videos. It is also capable of organizing conversation lists and making backup copies of contact lists.

HTC includes a large list of applications as it works with Windows Mobile, including maps, games, twitter, and many more.

To conclude on the driver software and apps, the iPhone is probably the leading smartphone in this area which is mostly lacking in areas like quality and camera capabilities. Furthermore, BlackBerry is a great competitor as it has penetrated the enterprise market. Last but not least, HTC offers good services to its users, but it has not been as popular as the iPhone and BlackBerry in Europe.