the smartphone wars...people. platforms. analysis.

The $100 smartphone

Apple has little to fear, at least for the next few years, from Android. What Android will first destroy is:

  • Nokia
  • Microsoft
  • Non-mobile web
  • Local advertising

My predictions for 2016, made last year, assumed 1 billion smartphones by then. I've said 2-3 billion smartphones, not feature phones, smartphones, by the end of the decade. These are likely conservative estimates. The new iPod Touch can be transformed into a advanced smartphone slash portable media device and priced under $300, this year.

Now we have the $100 smartphone: Huawei Ideos. In fact, they may price this over $100, probably $150. It uses Android 2.2 and is almost available for sale worldwide.

I have not yet scored this smartphone.