I meant why it is a BETTER Smartphone than the rest. As to what qualifies it as a smartphone? Well, I guess it comes down to the processing power and capabilities. On the former, yes, an iPhone such power, on the latter, I would agree, you are way more limited on an iPhone vs others on what you can and can't do (or directly manipulate) as a developer.

But regardless of that, does it really matter if you can call it a 'Smartphone' or not? I don't so ... an I guess Apple could not care less.

MR

There are lots of unique strengths of the iPhone, such as usability.  But I don't see how you can say it qualifies as a smartphone because it easy to use.

@ Matt Kanninen .- Very fair and interesting question. I think many of us have wondered about that. IMHO, what distinguishes the iPhone from the rest (besides the mktg and the cool features) is USABILITY. The thing is monkey proof compared to its predecessors and arguably still the best amongst Smartphones that have spawned since (Pre, Android, Storm, etc.).

Such usability stems mainly from the simple fact that Apple has complete control over the chipset, operating system and development environment (vertical integration). No other OS (Android, Windows) or handset manufacturer (RIM, Samsung) has that privilege yet (well, maybe Palm but…well, long story) . True, it is easier for Apple since they only put out one device and people like Nokia put out dozens ... but that precisely may be why the latter is in shambles.

Now, I am certainly not a fan of closed environments but the reliable framework that comes with this vertical integration works well for Apple. Similar to the way BREW worked well for Qualcomm (for a while, at least). I don't see the same happening for anyone else in the short-medium term given the current landscape of increasing fragmentation (e.g. Bada this same week).

MR

Which brings up something I have been pondering.  What distinguishes the iPhone from any other touch screen feature phone that qualifies it as a smart phone?  Popularity?  Marketing?

MR good points I'd say we mostly agree.  Money is the primary motivator for most developers.  However a great many developers and publishers come up with a product first and choose a platform second.  There are multiple whole categories of smartphone application you can't develop for or publish on the iPhone.

@Matt Kanninen .- Of course few (if any) people develop simultaneously (can't imagine how would that work). But my point is that you have a successful iPhone app, whether or not you should port it to Android too should be a non-issue. And this of course does not mean you are 'migrating' your business to Android. Now, if you are developing exclusively for 'one or the other' (which IMHO would be a stupid thing to do) you obviously will go with the one that offers the higher revenue opportunity, in this case, Apple. Availability of development tools helps and makes life easier but is not the key factor ... unless you are just into building cool apps per se vs making money.

MR

I hope apple will still have more applications coming up from the developers..

Anz with <a href="http://forhomewaterpurifier.blogspot.com">for home water purifier</a>

@SteveS - Nice to hear from Android's team. BlackBerry is 12.6% of smartphone market and Android is about 0.6%. A typical platform/device penetration in the market takes about 12 - 18 months.

I hope Android knows how to do the Math.

Plz wake me when we come to 2011.

Steve the Android development tools are much stronger in many ways.  Eclipse beats the hell out of xcode.

It'd be nice to have a WYSIWYG GUI XML editor though.

Uh, why?  Especially when each of the developers has to vie for some of the mere 256MB of application space on the Android.

@vzw_test -  Good one… that was pretty funny.  While the Blackberry is an established and respect platform, that's not where the growth is right now.  As for Windows Mobile, you have to be joking.  Microsoft's "partners" are dumping them in favor of Android big time.  Palm dumped them, Motorola dumped them, HTC cut back dramatically and today, even Samsung announced they are moving away from Windows mobile.

@mocorocker - I agree.  Adding support for Android is a bit different from migrating to Android.  While Android is poised for growth, the iPhone is where the action is right now.  The iPhone has the most apps and the highest quality apps right now.  It's also where the money is being made in mobile development.  Android faces a fragmented market with various different types of phones and screen sizes and a weaker set of development tools.

It is one or the other because few people develop multiple simultaneously themselves, and they already have the iPhone version.  Now they are doing the Android version.  They may have already done several different blackberry ones, and may do several more, for a single app.

Don't think so either. Migration suggests 'one OR the other' which is a poor argument. I don't think app developers are or should be looking at it that way as opposed to an AND.

Specially since their revenue potential with Android will not catch up with that of Apple for at least 24 months.

MR

Not really, as a developer, myself, I think the real migration is occurring toward Blackberry and yet again towards Windows Mobile.