Smartphones Becoming Computer of Choice in Developing Countries 187
An anonymous reader writes "The build-out of 3G networks in developing countries, plus ultra-low prices from the likes of Samsung, will make the smartphone the sole computer of millions of citizens worldwide. And by 2016, 97 percent of smartphones are expected to use touchscreens. Now, don't get me wrong — I carry an iPad and an iPod Touch in my backpack and love touchscreens — but I still like a phone that fits in my pocket. However, I'm going to be in the minority five years from now, when the majority of wireless communicators will be smartphones."
The problem is with software distribution (Score:4, Interesting)
In a nutshell there are 3 different ways to handle software distribution. (with some overlap)
1. Anarchy: This way is typically done on Windows. You either use a search engine to type in "$program free download" and follow the first link, or you download the source-code and compile it yourself. This requires the user to be able to evaluate the software themselves. There is no guide. This works perfectly well with competent users, but can lead to large problems with the masses.
2. Dictatorship: You have a pre-made "app-store" which only lists programmes which went through some sort of censorship process. There is typically only one to choose from and typically you have no way to influence the rules or decisions. This is the way it's now typically done on newer smartphones, for example on iOS/Blackberry/WP7/Android. Since you cannot control what code you have running on your system, you have very little control about what your system is doing.
3. Communism: (in the sense of community) You have list of recommended programs which can be easily installed. That list is compiled by a community which you can join if you have proven to be competent or at least ask why they have done a decision in a certain way. If you don't like that decision, you can always go to another community and often even mix 2 for the greatest benefit. Installing software yourself is discouraged but not forbidden. You can always just do that.
The big point why this is so important is that computers are now extensions of your brain. This means the software running on your computer influences how you think.
FUCK MUDDLEHEAD APPLEMARKETNEWSPEAK (Score:2, Interesting)
First they try to steal "apps" for things that are not applications, but rather channels of content.
Now a smartphone is a "computer"? In the sense of "general-purpose computing device" it most certainly is not. And neither is a fucking tablet.
I love my Android phone. But it is a communications device. It is not a computer.
I wouldn't mind having a tablet. I'll probably get one this year or next. It'll be great to surf and watch films with. But it's a content-consumption device. It is not a computer.
But I guess "Smartphones Becoming Communications Devices of Choice in Developing Countries" doesn't sound as sexy.
And while I'm busy ripping the submitter (and idiots in general) a new one--what does this have to especially with "developing countries", anyway?
The build-out of 3G networks in developing countries, plus ultra-low prices from the likes of Samsung, will make the smartphone the sole computer of millions of citizens worldwide. And by 2016, 97 percent of smartphones are expected to use touchscreens.
I see "worldwide". I see nothing about "developing countries" in there. Do you?
ExecSummary: In 5 years, most mobile phones will use touchscreens. Thank you, Captain Obvious.