I have an iPhone and although it is easily the best phone I have ever owned, there is room for improvement. I am like most other people, I have a limited Budget and need my money to go far. I refuse to upgrade my iPhone to the 3GS, it just isn’t worth the hassle. To me there is no benefit to do so. However, Summer 2010 is the time I would upgrade next. I refuse to even consider getting a Windows Mobile device. No matter how much Processing power is there or RAM they still are slow and suck. However, if I hear something else to the contrary I might consider reading a review about them, that is about it.
Speculation.
What excites me is Summer 2010. This is when I believe the Android OS will finally come into its own and the hardware with it. Also in theory The iPhone will get another refresh. Blackberry and Palm will no doubt have their offerings as well.
I’d like to start a discussion here and tell you guys and gals what I think and if you agree with me. Also please give your direct experience with these phones current day counter part. I want to have a serious talking session here, I don’t want any flaming.
iPhone
Apple iPhone
Their next refresh should have in theory, better camera, Wireless N, multi-tasking or failing that push should work its way into most apps, HD video playback, better screen resolution, higher ram and faster processor I don’t see on the agenda, which might toss HD playback out the window, although software can do amazing things. I think Apple is mucking up by not partnering with Adobe for flash on the phone. I don’t think it will ever come to the iPhone. I still don’t see the iPhone getting a keyboard. Apple once set in its way, doesn’t typically change its hardware as far as form goes.
HTC Hero an Android phone.
Android
Of all the phones in this group, I think Summer 2010 will ready be the summer of android. Its hardware should get wireless n, HD video playback, several choices with keyboard and touchscreen combos and Adobe Flash. Software it should come to full maturity. My only fear it the stupid carrier versions that will no doubt muck it all up.
But thankfully if you want to I am sure you will be able to flash it with full version of Android. Thanks to Kyle for his great website http://android-unleashed.com/!
Palm Pre.
Palm Pre
If any phone were a sleeper, this one is it. I think this one is one to watch carefully. From all the reviews (Thanks to Precentral for the Videos) it looks like it is a superior 1.0 release. Sure it is missing some things, but if the iPhone would have come out in its initial release like the Pre did, it would have been Game Over for several phone makers. But it didn’t. Palm I don’t see having the HD playback anytime soon. Hopefully I am wrong. Wireless N should be here and more space. probably jumps up to 16gb or keeps it at the 8gb level and adds a sd slot. Adobe Flash is coming
All Palm has to worry about is getting its Pre out to AT&T and Verizon. I am also not going to lie, back in the day I owned a non phone Palm and I loved it. I actually used the calender and to do list. Something I refuse to do on any phone I own to this day, because they all suck compared to that old Palm I used. *sigh* So there is a special place in my heart for Palm.
Blackberry Storm.
Blackberry
I will be honest I haven’t followed them as close as the others, But I don’t see why they would neglect Wireless N and Adobe Flash. I think they will continue to optimize their software for a more customer friendly device
Wrap Up
Again I really feel like Summer 2010 will be the best space and time for customer. Why am I so hung up on HD playback? For one Nvidia Tegra ( http://apcmag.com/nvidia-tegra-hd-video-playback-under-1watt.htm ), for two, Microsoft will be releasing the Zune HD, competitors will follow I believe.
There are several companies saying digital distributions as the overall future format to Blue ray. Blue ray is actually working itself in this direction too with its digital copies coming soon ( http://arstechnica.com/media/news/2009/06/aacs-license-finalized-managed-copy-coming-to-blu-ray.ars ).
So Yes nobody is going to be watching Watchman or Transformers 2 on a tiny phone screen. I mean I will when I am on the go anyway. But think of it this way: You always have your phone and now a days with battery life that SUCKS, probably a cord with it. Why not just hook it up to your friends HDTV and kick back and watch a movie? See where I am driving? Ok so maybe we are still a few years away from that but a guy can hope.
Editors Note: All images were taken from the Wikipedia page. Their use is in good faith. The only image I cant be sure of is the HTC Hero. Never the less I am including it here.
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ArsShaw 