10-Smarphones that failed to impress customers

The smartphone market is as interesting as it is crowded these days. It’s crammed with devices designed for just about any customer on any budget looking for almost any feature they want. Plus, with so many smartphones available, customers on any carrier can readily find a suitable device that matches their desire. But the smartphone space is currently dominated by a handful of devices, led by Apple’s iPhone, the Motorola Droid X and the Motorola Droid 2. Most of the other phones currently available have failed to find the limelight as those major releases have cast huge shadows. It’s that group—the devices that haven’t been able to attract buyers as well as their vendors had hoped—that are highlighted here. Some of the following devices might come as a surprise to some, since they were offered by major vendors. Others will be obvious. But in every case, the following smartphones failed to do their part to appeal to consumers and enterprise customers during 2010. Take a look at these examples.

1. RIM BlackBerry Torch

   RIM’s BlackBerry Torch was the first smartphone from the venerable mobile company to offer BlackBerry OS 6. But after much fanfare upon its release, the Torch has become yet another BlackBerry on store shelves. It hasn’t reached the heights of the iPhone or the Droid X, and the average consumer probably isn’t thinking about RIM’s alternative when compared to those giants.Palm Pre Plus

2. Palm Pre Plus

   Although the Palm Pre was originally made available last year, the Palm Pre Plus made its debut earlier this year on several carriers. It featured more storage, a slightly revamped design, and an improved keyboard. But after the initial announcement and launch, the Pre Plus was treated much like its predecessor—as an also-ran.

3. T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide

   When the T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide launched earlier this year, it enjoyed some attention. But as news of the iPhone 4 arrived, and other Android-based devices started hitting store shelves, the myTouch 3G Slide was largely forgotten by consumers. It did relatively well at first, but it didn't have the longevity some of its more popular counterparts enjoyed this year.

4. Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini Pro

   The Xperia X10 Mini Pro was supposed to be Sony Ericsson’s next big push in the mobile market for those who wanted ultra mobility. But when the device launched, it was largely ignored by consumers that were focused more on the leaders in the space. Plus, its tiny 2.6-inch touch screen didn’t help its chances of appealing to consumers that were used to much bigger alternatives.

5. Motorola i1

   When the Motorola i1 was first announced, some wondered if the mobile vendor would have another winner on its hands. But further inspection of Motorola’s touch-screen smartphone revealed that it was a hobbled alternative. The device runs Android 1.5, making it practically obsolete out of the box. Plus, its 3.1-inch display pales in comparison to the Droid X’s 4.3-inch screen. If customers were looking for Motorola smartphones this year, the i1 didn’t top the list.

6. T-Mobile HTC HD2

   The main issue with the T-Mobile HTC HD2 in 2010 was its operating system. The device, which originally retailed for the high price of $200, ran Windows Mobile 6.5 out of the box. That alone hurt its sales, and caused most consumers to turn away. Microsoft is trying to revive its ailing mobile business with Windows Phone 7, but overcoming the decline of its mobile mind share due to Windows Mobile 6.5 could be difficult.

7. RIM BlackBerry Curve 3G 9330

   RIM’s BlackBerry Curve 3G 9330 is a capable, nice smartphone for the average enterprise customer. But as the mobile company offered the smartphone to customers, it failed to receive the kind of hype that major devices, like the Motorola Droid X or iPhone enjoyed. It didn’t even get the attention of the BlackBerry Torch. That has helped the Curve 3G 9330 join this list.

8. Dell Aero

   The Dell Aero was a mess from the beginning. The device ran Android 1.5 at launch, making it immediately obsolete. Costing $100 with a two-year contract, it didn’t seem like the best option for either those on a budget or those looking for a top-of-the-line product. The Dell Aero has become one of the forgotten Android devices in the market, and for good reason.

9. Palm Pixi Plus

   Like the Palm Pre Plus, which improved upon the original Pre, the Pixi Plus improved upon its successor. The device boasts 3G Mobile Hotspot functionality, among other features. But upon its launch, like the Pre Plus, few paid much attention. It’s quickly becoming clear that if the HP-owned Palm is going to be a success in the mobile market going forward, it will have some work to do.

10. Motorola Defy

    The Motorola Defy isn’t a bad phone. In fact, it’s designed to withstand tough treatment, like dropping it on a hard surface or putting it in water. And it was only recently unveiled. But already the device doesn’t seem to have the staying power that Motorola’s other devices, like the Droid X have. When that product launched, critics, future customers, and everyone else were talking about it. The device enjoyed outstanding hype. But sales of Motorola Defy aren’t taking off. And due to its ability to withstand accidents, it features an aesthetic that won’t appeal to everyone.

(Source: eWeek.com)

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Today more than 3⁄4 of the world’s population use a mobile telephone – a large proportion of those do not watch television or surf the Internet. Mobile telephone users keep their handset always close to them (according to Morgan Stanley, 91% of mobile owners keep their phone within 1 meter, 24 hours/day, 365 days/week), while they do tend to supply essential personal, demographic and lifestyle information to their mobile operator.

It is therefore highly evident that the next big paradigm in advertising views the mobile telephone as the most powerful advertising medium ever. The mobile phone is the first true personal mass medium.

Mobile Advertising refers to the delivery of advertising messages, within organized mobile campaigns, via the mobile telephone. Thanks to modern technology, Mobile Advertising capitalizes on rich media formats available on the environment of contemporary handsets (and particularly smartphones) such as sound, image, video, coupons, barcodes, vouchers and so on. In view of all the above, Mobile Advertising is the most immediate, direct, targeted and effective advertising medium, enabling advertisers to reach their exact target audience anytime, anywhere.