I still have a cellphone, or a “dumb” phone as some like to call it. The infographic below reveals some astonishing stats regarding “dumb phones” and sms messaging trends around the world, especially how the traditional text message is improving the lives of many, particularly in developing countries.

According to MBA Online, sms messaging is still the most popular form of electronic communication around the world.

So  take that, all you smartphone geeks!! Enjoy.

Created by: MBA Online

It always amazes me when I take a look back just a few years and realise just how far we have progressed.

For instance, pre 2000, 99% of phones where black and white screens, remember the blog a while back about the Nokia 3310 and 3330 and that one of the few differences was that the 3330 had motion on the screen?These were from around 2001, and look now, phones like the Samsung Galaxy S2 can not only play movies in full colour, they can play HD movies as well. So this all begs the question, where is the future going?

The first possible next-gen screen and phone, comes from some boffins from Queen’s University in Canada; they have designed a 3.7 inch completely flexible screen, and not only the screen but also the entire phone which also is flexible. Budded the PaperPhone, although it seems to only be a black and white screen, the fact that the technology is there, says more than enough…it won’t be long until a colour option becomes available. The interesting thing is that they have also made the user interface work by bending the corners in order to navigate through the menus.

Samsung is also working on their future screens with a new version of their AMOLED screens. This one being able to fold in the middle, while opened, forms one screen without any crease or lines. This means that you can have a fairly large screen on your smartphone while still being able to fit it comfortably into your pocket. To help you imagine a real life example of where this could be used: I have heard some people complain about the form factor of the Galaxy Tab P1000, and yes as a phone 7” is a bit large. Not picture this – a 8” tablet with full tablet functionality when open, but closes to a 4” size and have a secondary screen on the outside when you only want to use it as a phone, now that sound like a great gadget!

So let your mind run wild as you contemplate the future of your smartphone and where you think it’s going to end up in 10 years and leave us some thoughts!

Have you ever wished that you didn’t have to have your phone and PSP with you, no, well me neither! But never mind, Sony Ericson (SE) has decided to take that hassle away from us anyway.

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View the original comic here.

On 11 Feb 2011, former Microsoft exec and current Nokia CEO Stephen Elop announced that an alliance has been made between Nokia and Microsoft. The alliance will mean that Nokia will start using Windows Phone 7 as its primary operating system, moving away from the currently used Symbian OS. Making use of Bing as the Search Engine, adCenter for ad services and Ovi Maps as the mapping service. Nokia’s content store will be integrated into Microsoft’s Marketplace, and Xbox Live and MS Office will undoubtedly be featured in the new “Microkia” handsets.

Both Microsoft & Nokia seem optimistic about this partnership. Nokia’s smartphones have until now not been as popular as some of their competitors, including iPhone & Blackberry. They are hoping that this will be the boost that they need & will give both Nokia & Microsoft a new foothold in the industry.

But what does this mean for the user of these new smartphones? Well those who love the simple, user-friendly nature of Nokia shouldn’t be disappointed. You will be able to use your Nokia as easily but with all the benefits & apps that Microsoft have to offer – allowing your phone to easily interface with you PC (running Windows).

However, if like me you have had some ups and downs with Windows on your PC, this new option of having Windows on your Nokia may not be all that appealing to you. Also, chatting with friends, colleagues and some others in the industry, it seems that once you have found a smartphone that suits your needs, very few are willing to change to another. I love my Blackberry, as do many others & many of those who use the iPhone have developed a similar attachment to it. Does this mean that Nokia & Microsoft will have to focus their ad campaigns on potential smartphone users and those using smartphones that do not quite compare to the “big names”? Or perhaps they need to offer something so different & new that all will stop to consider?

What do you think?

Couple of Saturdays back, my wife dragged me to the shops, Eastgate of all places, the mecca of the crowded passages. As you can see I am not really a fan of the shopping mall.

Anyway, one of the things I absolute DREAD about the shopping malls, are the “promotion” stands. Eager beavers who have a handful of pamphlets, whom you avoid making eye contact with, and pick up the pace to try and get through the “kill” zone unscathed. Sometimes you do and other times you try and politely extricate yourself from the conversation, “No not right now”, “Let me talk to my wife about it”, etc, etc.

Well on this particular Saturday I came across something a little different…

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According to Wikipedia, mobile marketing can refer to two things, the first being “marketing on the move”. You know, it’s those trailers you see with big billboards on, or even taking your “show on the road.” The second refers to using mobile devices to advertise your product; telemarketing is included in this concept.  (more…)

Foursquare seems to be the latest thing in mobile technology & we are seeing more and more people making use of it.

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