Applications development
An important factor discussed in this article is the application development tools that the three different smartphones provide to their users.
iPhone applications are developed by users using Xcode, Apple’s integrated development environment (IDE). Xcode provides users with all the tools they need to build the application they have in mind. Additionally, it gives them the option to test the app in a simulator before running it on their personal device.
BlackBerry users can build their applications in cooperation with Java and using the JDE plugin for Eclipse. They have the choice of Java or web development. Also, when they want to create Java-based applications, they can choose between the Eclipse environment and the BlackBerry Java development environment. BlackBerry also offers its users free downloadable online simulators to test the applications.
Through Windows Mobile, HTC mobile users can build their applications by reusing the development skills of Visual Studio and .NET. The platform used for users to build their applications provides data connectivity and includes a wide range of programming models. Also, it provides testing and debugging software to its users.
Multimedia
Moving on, an important factor is the multimedia features provided by each smartphone.
For this area, the iPhone certainly makes a difference; because of its leading iTunes application that provides users with a fully operational iPod on their phone. In addition to that, it includes a 3mpx camera, a voice recorder, movie projection and others.
BlackBerry includes an improved media player, a self-portrait mirror camera and flash mode, a 480 x 360 pixel display, and more.
HTC was awarded as the best audio recorder in 2008 and it also includes Windows Media Player 10, Live TV, an autofocus camera and others.
standard applications
In addition, this section will review the standard applications provided by the three smartphones.
When it comes to the area of applications, iPhone is the leading smartphone in the area of applications, since it provides its users with applications of almost any use. Basic iPhone apps include YouTube, stocks, maps, weather reports, compass, and others; making it the most competitive phone in the smartphone industry.
BlackBerry also includes a wide variety of applications; however, it is mostly famous due to its BlackBerry messaging application, which has become a necessary tool in the business world. BlackBerry Messenger can be used to exchange messages, pictures, voice memos, and videos. It is also capable of organizing conversation lists and making backup copies of contact lists.
HTC includes a great list of applications since it operates with Windows mobile including maps, games, twitter and many more.
To conclude on software and app driver, iPhone is probably the leading smartphone in this area, mostly lacking in areas like camera quality and capabilities. Also, BlackBerry is a big competitor as it has penetrated the business market. Last but not least, HTC provides good services to its users, but it has not been as popular as iPhone and BlackBerry in Europe.