No iPhone 4G in sight: Can the HTC Evo 4G and Windows Phone 7 gain smartphone market share?

April 13, 2010 - By Jose A. Gutierrez

Now that we know that Apple has been working on a software upgrade to take iPhone 3GS users, with Version 3.2 to iPhone OS 4.0, we’re left with a number of questions. Mainly, many wonder why Apple’s event didn’t include the unveiling of the iPhone 4G (or whatever they decided to name it). Where was the enhanced multi-touch? Where was the front-facing camera? On top of these gadget disappointments, current iPhone owners who don’t have the 3GS version of the popular smartphone also wonder why they were left out of the June 2010 update. So, at this point, we may not be happy with them, but we do know Apple’s plans short-term plans for the iPhone. The question that remains is how the smartphone giant’s plan stacks up to those of competitors like Microsoft and HTC, who promise to bring some pretty exciting new toys to the playground.

One would have assumed that, with the impending release of Microsoft’s latest smartphone, the Windows Phone 7, Apple would have been ready to flex some muscle and remind Microsoft and everyone else why Apple is the king of the smartphone market. A software update that only applies to the most recent generation iPhone, lacks any new groundbreaking features (No, multi-tasking does not count) and includes the promise of more intrusive, in-device advertising does not seem like a well-laid plan, for a company trying to increase its already sizable market share. While the Windows Phone 7 doesn’t necessarily have any features that encourage consumers to stage a mass exodus to the Microsoft offering, the fact remains that it is brand new, hardware and all. The only drawback for Microsoft is their decision to delay the initial sale of the device until the 2010 holiday season.

The other contender in this mix is the fast approaching Android OS, supported by a consortium of manufacturers backing Google’s venture into the mobile computing market. In the month of March, the Android Market reached a total of 9,320 apps, up from the previous month’s total of 5,532. The change represents a 68% increase, which is statistically significant, despite the fact that the total likely includes a few tip calculators and fart apps. What it does prove, though, is dedicated interest in the Android platform, by app developers.

The Android OS stands to gain even more ground with the release of the HTC Evo 4G, on the Sprint WiMax network. Its specifications would make any gadget enthusiast drool. The device is slated to feature a 480×800, 4.3-inch TFT LCD Screen, Snapdragon 1 GHz processor, 1 GB of built-in memory and 512 MB of RAM. Its features also include a 1500mAh removable battery, flash-capable 8 megapixel camera that records 720p video, and an additional 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera. HDMI-out, 802.11b/g WiFI, an 8 GB microSD card, and the promise of running on the Sprint EVDO Rev A network and WiMax are even more features that make the Android 2.1 device a smartphone junkie’s dream. Verizon, also has a super Android phone of their own build by HTC, named the Incredible. With similar specs to the Evo, it may also raise the bar that Apple must meet or exceed to really make a splash with its next generation iPhone hardware.

With the news that Palm Inc. is actively seeking bidders to purchase the ailing company, the Palm WebOS appears unlikely to be a contender anytime soon. RIM continues to remain strong in the business sector of the smartphone market and seems content to remain strong and steady, instead of trying to leap forward with any new groundbreaking devices.

We love competition. It’s what keeps the smartphone companies innovating to remain competitive in the ever-increasing mobile computing market. With the impending hardware releases discussed above, where is Apple going? It is unclear what Steve Jobs has in the works for the next device to carry the trendy iPhone name. Does the lack of discussion in last week’s Apple event regarding new iPhone hardware mean we won’t see it this year? For now, it seems unlikely. Just in case, though, if you are contract-free or close to it, you might want to wait until the 3rd or 4th Qtr of 2010. You never know. Apple might pull an iPhone 4G out of its sleeve, just in time to once more lure us away from the other contenders.