Gaming: the new smartphone differentiator

Traditionally, phones have been differentiated by hardware features with software, primarily the user interface, coming into the mix more recently. When phones were limited to voice calls and texting, there was only so much manufacturers could do to stand out. 

In 2008, Apple introduced the App Store which spurred a new industry. They differentiated themselves and many jumped on board. The mobile race has had many interesting turns with the next one just ahead.

When PC makers were competing to capture the desktop market in the 80s and 90s, Apple stayed in the game by going after the education market. As a result, Macs were commonly used in primary education, universities and in research. Not unlike the tobacco industry’s “get ‘em while they’re young” philosophy, they attempt to win over customers as soon as possible. This still applies to today’s mobile devices.

While the desktop market battle seems to have cooled off, the mobile market has certainly heated up. Apple and Android are leading while Microsoft looks to be turning things around with a new OS that has an important tie in to the XBOX platform. If it weren’t for this critical piece, their chances of recovery in the market might be considerably less.

Thus far, games on Android have been somewhat scarce by comparison to the iPhone. There are some good Android games, but they are not plentiful nor is there a platform for online challenges. As announced recently, Google has hired a developer advocate for games and it will be interesting to what form the Android game platform takes.

With Google, Microsoft and Apple all announcing their intent to develop robust gaming platforms, it shows the seriousness of this race. While Apple and Microsoft have strategies in place, Google's plan for Android is still not clear. A partnership with Nintendo or Sony to incorporate the Wii or PlayStation platform might very well help catapult the platform. In any case, they will need to take a big step if they hope to capture any significant piece of the mobile gaming market.

Skype on the iPhone, a practical joke.

More than 2 years after Skype was introduced on phones running Windows Mobile OS, it was this week made available on the iPhone. With all the fanfare, you'd think it was a cutting edge, defining moment.

Most people know how Skype works. You can use your computer to talk to people using Skype on their computer for free. This capability has existed since the mid 90s using CUseeMe, but that's neither here nor there. What has made Skype popular is being able to bypass international tolls and the call quality is better than it was back then. Not too long ago, they began offering Skypeout so regular phones numbers could be dialed. For a while they offered free Skypeout calls, but now offer domestic and international plans for $3 to $10 per month.

Ok, so for $3/mo you can make unlimited domestic calls using Skype on an iPhone. Sounds cool, like you may be able to drop down to the cheapest cell plan and make all calls using Skype. That would be nice, but you have to have the app running in the foreground to receive a call and it only works over wifi, not over the cell network. Maybe I'm the only one, but places where I have wifi, I also have a computer and a phone with free unlimited calls. Maybe I just don't get it. Furthermore, when on wifi, my calls are already free using a Tmobile phone with WMA. It's completely transparent, no special app or phone book and no extra monthly fee.

The real problem here is that the iPhone is designed to prevent all applications including Skype from running in the background. It is the only smartphone designed this way. They claim it hurts performance, while blackberrys, windows mobile and symbian phones handle the challenge just fine.

Well, theoretically one could use Skype on an iPhone to make free calls to other Skype users while on a wifi-covered campus, at a mall, at Starbucks, etc. This is great and with the $3 plan, you can call land lines and cell numbers. But if the person you are calling is using an iPhone, chances are Skype is not running in the foreground so they will have to use cell minutes when they receive your call while paying for Skype service. Why would you use cell minutes when you both are paying for Skype?! Because it only works over wifi, that's why.

AT&T is laughing it up and Apple is showing their poker face.