The Rise and Fall

For decades, the mobile technology went through a lot of challenges from research and development perspectives as well as market demands and after sales support. To state that the market shares were diverse in terms of demand versus grade of products and competitive prices. Looking at the current market position, obviously the changes were drastic and whichever products are still in use widely are rising.

Since the mobile phones were put in the market, Motorola was the first handheld that allowed users to communicate on the move without any lines or cords. That device weighted over a kilogram and was held by only wealthy users due to the high cost to purchase and operate (10 hours to recharge to be used for only 30 minutes call).

Then Siemens developed a device which resembled a briefcase. The handset was lighter and smaller compared to Motorola. People enjoyed the briefcase which allowed them to use the phone for a larger period of time especially when being away from a source of power.

In two years, Nokia introduced to the market their first mobile which was lighter than the other competitors with a built-in battery (instead of an external heavy briefcase). Same as other products, the mobile phone was still considered to be pricey and affordable by only rich people.

Then, the competition started to become wider when Nokia launched their phone. Others were working on improving their products and introducing new future and enhancing the technology. IBM released the first smartphone in the history which had applications and touch screen.

The first phone with keyboard was innovated by Nokia which was their first smartphone. The user of Nokia communicator was able to browse the web, use email and spreadsheets.

The competition was serious and pushed the technology to another level. This was seen by the frequent launching of new devices yearly with new developed features such as colored screen, shorter antenna, viewing images, Bluetooth, infrared, waterproof and cameras.

After 15 years from introducing the first mobile, Blackberry released a new smartphone which had all the features of other competitors combined in one device. And continued to be booming in the market.

Few years later, a legend was born (first iPhone) and followed by Huawei and Samsung. Those 3 controlled the market widely. A new feature is added today, another will follow the next day.

The list of existing technologies is much more than the listed ones which are trying to compete in the market and attract specific user looking for new features with lesser grades, capacities, resolutions than others.

Looking at the current major market shares, it is obvious that the leaders and first innovators in this technology fall while others are now rising. Staying up to date with the market requirements was and will always be the key factor for the continuity of any product while keeping the customer satisfaction on top of their vision. No doubt that the durability (high grade) and competitive price added to the features provided and continuous development.

It is difficult to predict which products will remain in the market in the near future. But, surely, as long as taking care of the users’ needs is fulfilled that will guarantee loyalty, sustainability and success. It is difficult and challenging to rise. However, it is easy to fall.