Mobile Devices

Mobile computing consists of hand-held/mobile devices usually with a miniature keyboard, which allow users to instantly access information, instantly communicate with others, use applications to solve problems, or just relax and socialize with others while on the go. These devices generally consist of smart phones and tablet computers. Most mobile devices use touch screens, which allows the consumer to interact in a unique way with their device. The most important technology within mobile devices is the device’s operating system. Operating systems include Android, RIMM, IOS, and Windows Phone 7. According to NPD, the current market share of operating systems being used in the Smartphone industry is Android with 53% of the market, IOS with 29% of the market, RIMM with 10% of the market, and Windows mobile with 3% of the market. (Sakr, 2011) The operating systems vary by system, but operating systems are a large part of what have made mobile devices so popular. These operating systems give mobile users an easy to use interface, are ready to operate in seconds, and access to hundreds of thousands of applications (programs) specifically designed to meet the consumers need. Applications can help users do almost anything, but some of the main things that it provides educational resources, social networks, entertainment, and instant access to desired information instantly.

The smartphone market is highly competitive as several companies compete in providing the hardware for the smart phone devices. Currently the most market share for smartphones is held by Samsung taking the top position in the smartphone market taking a 23.8 percent share of the global market to Apple's 14.6 percent and Nokia was third with a 14.4 percent share, according to data released by research firm Strategy Analytics. (Ribeiro, 2011) The smartphone instury is also growing rapidly, Strategy Analytics said, “Global smartphone shipments grew 44 percent annually to reach a record 117 million units in the third quarter of 2011”. (Ribeiro, 2011) Tablets are growing quickly, but the tablet market is less competitive than the smartphone market. The Ipad is the clear market leader in the tablet industry, yet several other tablets compete in the marketplace. About 10.3 million tablets were sold in the U.S. in 2010, the market researcher estimates. It expects tablet