2007 saw what we now consider the birth of the Smartphone as we know it today, when Apple released its first iPhone to an eagerly awaiting global audience, only happy to part with their cash to get their hands on the latest must have gadget. But what made the device as successful as it was?
Well, touch screen technology was relatively new in terms of commercially available (and relatively affordable) handheld devices at the time. It allowed Apple to do away with a keyboard enabling a bigger screen without making the device too big. This made the Internet browsing experience much better, replicating almost a small hand held computer in many ways.
Email, calls, text messaging, an integrated iPod, access to Youtube, a camera, maps and access to an uncountable number of downloadable applications are all part and parcel of the iPhone. Add to that its ease of use and it’s little wonder that it was such a hit. The applications in particular have proven a massive success. You can download anything from games, to news apps, to utilities and a whole host most. Some are free, some aren’t! But the fact that there are more than 180,000 apps available means there is something for everyone! Since the app store launched, there have been over 3 billion downloads!
Perhaps a somewhat overlooked reason for its success is the way it looks as well. Gadget lovers like a slick looking device and the iPhone fits the bill. Slim and slick looking with a the bare minimum in terms of buttons. Even though the iPhone has since seen the release of the G and, more recently, 3GS, its overall look has remained fairly consistent.
Demand continues to soar and with the imminent UK release of the iPad, Apple’s mobile browsing success story looks set to continue for many years yet to come. Apple is simply satisfying our ever growing desire to be able to browse, text, email and access our social networking sites on the move.