On Monday evening, I was at the Sony Ericsson launch for the Xperia X10 – partly to be up close and person with Jay Malinowski of the Bedouin Soundclash. It was great to check out the new device that will be released soon exclusively on the Rogers network.
The X10 uses the Android operating system, meaning that all sorts of applications can be added by users to personalize and enhance their device. This represents the first time that Sony Ericsson has gone with an open operating system.
Monday was also the day that news was widely releasedĀ that Palm, the company that pretty much created the smart phone segment,Ā was looking for a buyer.Ā
Mobile devices are part of the frequently fickle consumer electronics marketplace. We have seen a number of companies fall in and out of fashion over the years. Design sizzle and marketing hype can be as important as technological functionality in making a consumer product a winner.
So, if a company with such a strong consumer electronics legacy like Sony has recognized the value of leveraging a global cadre of creative app developers, it makes me wonder how much longer it willĀ take for RIM to develop an Android powered Blackberry? Will the Blackberry software suiteĀ become a licensedĀ app on other consumer electronic devices? Will RIM look at a hybrid model like Microsoft – some licensed software and some devices (such as the new Kin) under total development and control?
There will be a panel looking at developments in smart phones and mobile services on Monday June 7 at The 2010 Canadian Telecom Summit, including leaders from RIM and Microsoft.
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