Mimicking Hollywood's efforts to create a slew of major blockbuster movies each summer, the mobile phone industry is expected to have numerous important launches during a turbulent economy.
Consumers this summer are expecting an updated Apple iPhone, more phone models based off the Google Android operating system, and the release of the Palm Pre smart phone.
Previously "nobody gave a darn about mobile phones; they weren't headline grabbers," Needham & Co. analyst Charles Wolf said in a recent interview with the New York Times. "This summer will be really interesting. It could be potentially the most exciting time in this market."
The festivities will officially begin sometime early next month, when Palm releases its very well hyped Pre smartphone aimed at the Sprint-Nextel network. Apple is expected to release an updated iPhone on a date close to the Pre launch, though all analysts know is that the date will be "early June."
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Analysts expect the new iPhone to have a faster processor and a newer camera, but other details regarding the popular smartphone remain unknown.
The Google Android OS gets another powerful ally when the Samsung i7500 is released, as it's the first of several Android-powered devices on tap from Samsung, Motorola, and other manufacturers. Android has become increasingly popular, with several manufacturers interested in porting it over to netbooks.
Even though consumers are less willing to spend money for new electronics and gadgets, it should be interesting if people will be out upgrading their mobile phones. There are a number of new mobile phones that will hopefully help convince subscribers to sign two-year contract extensions for the latest gadget.
