In a nutshell, Google’s Android operating system (OS) has enjoyed roaring success due to its accessibility and quality, which only seems to be getting better and better. Available on a wide range of tariffs and handsets, more people are now able to afford to buy a smartphone than ever before.

Apple’s exclusivity and restrictions on development and price seem to be where they’re falling down, especially seeing as though other companies are now attempting to reach its high standards of design and user-friendliness – and almost succeeding.

On 5^th November 2007, at the same time as the release of Google’s Android platform, came the introduction of the new Open Handset Alliance. With this announcement, Google began paving the way for market dominance and embarked on a path of making up serious ground on Apple.

A consortium of 34 firms, the Open Handset Alliance member companies range from mobile handset manufacturers to application developers, service providers and chip makers, and include the likes of HTC, Google, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Toshiba, Nvidia, T-Mobile and Vodafone.

The consortium’s goal is to develop and maintain open standards for mobile devices – something which goes against everything Apple has worked towards with its incredibly exclusive brand. With the quality of HTC’s products and the development of the technology created by other brands, it’s really easy to see why Android has just kept on going from strength to strength.

htc-desire-hd

Tech review site CNet UK reported that 2010 saw HTC lead industry growth, with smartphone shipments having increased by a staggering 63.1 per cent between April and June, compared with the first quarter.

Analyst Tina Teng at market research firm iSuppli told CNet: “Every brand that has put effort into designing smart phones using Google’s operating system is riding the Android wave… Android is the secret sauce for smart phone growth for many companies in 2010.”

According to iPadrow, analysts at telecoms analysis firm Ovum have forecasted that Android OS will achieve a staggering 38 per cent control of the smartphone market by 2016 – that’s more than twice the market share of biggest rivals Apple, Windows Phone 7 and BlackBerry.

Android’s dominance is expected to continue to have a major impact on the mobile phone market, with smartphone sales predicted to double in five years’ time to reach 653 million.

On one hand, it seems hard to believe that one operating system could have such an enormous effect on a market from which it was once impossible to see how Apple could fall but, with the support of one of the most important mobile phone manufacturers in the world in HTC, it’s easy to see how they managed to make up that ground so quickly.

HTC have consistently released well-received, popular, user-friendly and attractive devices – and ones with specs that have come to heavily rival Apple. With phones such as the flagship HTC Desire HD and HTC Hero having been released onto the market, it’s easy to see how this, combined with Android’s accessibility and diversity is helping both ventures grow from strength to strength.

Today you can choose between several different Blackberry models, Nokia, HTC and Samsung to name a few.  Not forgetting the latest Apple iPhone 4.  But what does a Smartphone allow you to do over a plain old mobile phone, and what should you be looking out for when making your choice?

A Smartphone allows you to do much more than simply send and receive phone calls and text messages.  It is rather like having a mini computer in your pocket.  Whether you need a phone for business or personal use smartphones offer advanced functionality including internet services and can run software programs known as Apps.

For the busy business person who is always on call and available 24/7, the Smartphone has become an essential ever handy tool that gives you email on the move, to view files such as spreadsheets, presentations and PDF files; while for the personal user it allows you to stream films, store and play music files; and with the growth of free or cheap Apps business and personal users can find a use for Apps covering the London Underground Tube Map, train timetables and keeping up to date with the latest news from around the world.

There’s no doubt that the introduction of the Apple iPhone was as responsible for the growth in smartphones for personal use as the Blackberry was for business users.  But now, more so than before it seems there is less of a distinction between which market smartphones are aimed at, as companies  look to grow in a busy marketplace.  But one of the most important things to consider when choosing a Smartphone is which platform or operating system it uses.

There are six operating systems to choose from for UK mobile phones.  You need to consider not only how good is the platform and how efficient it runs, but how popular it is among software developers who will migrate to new operating systems if there is a market to do so.

Android OS
Android OS is Google’s Operating System, and not surprisingly comes with an excellent web browser as well as integrating online tools effectively.

The Android software is regularly updated and as it becomes more popular is becoming a serious alternative to the iPhone OS as far as software developers are concerned.  The Android OS is ‘open source’ which gives developers free range over application building, unlike the restrictive practises of Apple Apps.  The Android platform can handle a vast array of different programs, including some comprehensive media bundles.

Windows Phone OS
No prizes for guessing the Windows Phone Operating System is owned by Microsoft.  In the past it has been called Windows Mobile & WinMo.

Microsoft’s Windows Phone OS is designed to mirror the desktop version of Windows in both design and functionality. As you’d expect, it is simple to sync your mobile Smartphone to your PC computer and share contacts and emails with the Exchange server.  Microsoft Office programs and the Windows Media player also come as part of the Windows Phone OS.

The Microsoft application store is aptly named Windows Marketplace where users can update and download an assortment of application software.  Microsoft has strict control over which Apps are available in the Windows Marketplace.

iPhone OS
The iPhone Operating System was developed by Apple for their own Smartphone.  The iPhone has taken the world by storm and as a late entry into the Smartphone arena, has been able to capitalise on incorporating the best of previous mobile phone technology. The iPhone range has regular software updates; and though Apple has a strict control over licensing Apps it is by far the most popular operating system for developers.  The result is the Apple App Store is currently blessed with the largest selection of Apps of all operating systems.

Blackberry OS
The BlackBerry Operating System has been developed by mobile phone manufacturer Research in Motion for its own BlackBerry Smartphones. The original bias of the Blackberry was towards business users with its stylish looks and excellent office applications, internet and email functionality.

The email management software allows you to simply sync your phone with your PC with the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software. Blackberry’s work well with business Apps such as Microsoft Office and the BlackBerry App World has a wide range of applications. Some models now come with a touch screen which has coincided with a growth in personal user popularity.

Symbian OS
The Symbian Operating System is Nokia’s own software, though it is used by other mobile phone manufacturers, too. The Symbian user interface is regularly updated and improved, making it a very easy system to navigate.

A number of different email servers are supported from Microsoft Exchange to BlackBerry Enterprise which makes using the Symbian operation system easy to use when syncing your mobile phone to your desktop email client.  Like Android, Symbian OS is open source making it easier for developers to create and share applications.  Nokia’s own App Store is called the Ovi Store but there are also other websites that offer Apps for the Symbian OS.

Bada OS
The Bada Operating System is owned by Samsung who are promoting their Smartphone range to all users.  Samsung are a relatively late-comer to the Smartphone party but appear to be gaining ground with their latest range of Smartphone models.  Applications and Apps for the Bada OS can be downloaded from the Samsung Apps store.

So, if you are looking for a Smartphone we recommend three steps:

1.    Make a prioritised list of the functionality you are looking for and whether it is for business, personal use or both
2.   Find out which operating system it uses
3.    Look online & in magazines at independent reviews

Do all three steps before you enter a shop or call a mobile phone company to find out about the best mobile phone deals.

They can certainly target the younger market in some confidence. The vast percentage of those who embrace new technology tend to come from the younger age range, but there is also a vast market of older users who may have different needs.

They may not be interested that the latest phone can download music, run an app to tell them how to bake a goat’s cheese and lemon terrine or that they can now access the Internet while they are pruning their hedges at the bottom of the garden.

Many of these users, as strange as it may seem to many of the younger folk, would just like a mobile phone that is simple, easy to understand and performs the seemingly forgotten art of actually calling someone to speak to them. Fortunately, this is where a website like www.phones4u.co.uk is so beneficial.

This autumn, many new students will be heading into colleges and universities across the UK. Parents can give them a head start by taking a look at the fantastic ‘student saviour’ deals on offer on the website at present. These are the best mobile phone contract/laptop package deals and the value to be had is truly astonishing.

Take the popular Samsung Tocco Lite, a fantastic little mobile phone using touch screen technology. For just £30 a month with 02, you receive this great little handset on a 24-month contract but for that you get unlimited texts over the two-year period (which will be invaluable when little Jonny forgets the power of speech while at University and decides to communicate only via SMS!), 600 talk time minutes a month (which will no doubt keep him from running up a huge phone bill ordering Chinese takeaway).

A great deal, but it gets even better when you learn that he will also get completely free a fantastic Dell Inspiron 11Z laptop on which to do his vital University work, or more likely, spend the day on YouTube watching videos of skateboarders fall clumsily to the ground.

If you are a techno-lover then you will no doubt want the latest technology and Phones4u once again delivers. They offer the full range of fantastic new smartphone packages, including the superb new Samsung Wave S8500 and the astonishing Samsung Galaxy S.

They also offer a comprehensive range of Blackberry handsets, the stylish new offerings from the likes of HTC, Nokia, LG, Sony Ericsson and of course Apple.

Yes, fans of the iPhone 4 will be understandably feverish with the news that Phones4u have some of the best deals available on this latest Steve Jobs creation.

For instance, the stylish Apple iPhone 4 16GB is available under contract from Vodafone for 24 months. For that you receive 1GB a month mobile Internet browsing and 900 free minutes and 3000 texts messages a month.

All for just £40 a month and a one off initial payment of just £89. Alternatively, if you are going to be using your brand new iPhone 4 online a great deal, you could opt for Orange’s similar deal, which is exactly the same price, £89 initially and £40 a month, with the same number of texts and minutes free each month, but which comes with unlimited browsing and WiFi included!

If you aren’t an Apple fan, then don’t worry. There are still plenty of great contract phones on offer to you, at a vast range of prices and on a suitable tariff to match your budget. Many also come with a fantastic free gift to sweeten the deal further.

This gift is often delivered the same day as your phone, no needlessly sorting vouchers, having to send them off to some obscure address in the remote Orkneys and then waiting three months for delivery with Phones4u! If you order a phone with a free gift then, pending satisfactory credit checks, they should be with you the next day!

For instance, let’s imagine that a customer wants the stylish Blackberry Curve 8520. Once they have logged in, checked the specifications of the phone and read the all-important customer reviews of the phone on the site, they then decide that they want to order the phone.

The choices available to the customer are frankly astonishing. If he wants a cheaper monthly package, he can take the 18-month 02 woo contract, which offers a quality phone free of charge, for just £20 a month. Plus the customer would receive 100 call time minutes and 3000 texts free each month!

However, if the customer wants a little more then they will surely be delighted to find that they receive a lot more for their money! If they opt for the Blackberry Curve 8520 on the Vodafone Blackberry your plan Text £30 contract, for his £30 a month he would get 300 minutes of talk time and 3000 text messages. A great deal, but one made even better when you consider he would get delivered, free of charge usually within 24 hours, a brand new slimline 120GB Playstation 3!

A quick browse of the offers for your choice of phone will highlight the myriad of free gifts, from games consoles, televisions to laptops, cashback and iPods, all of which are offered alongside some of the best deals available anywhere in the UK.

Pay as you go customers are not left behind either. Whether you don’t want to be tied down to a monthly contract and want a stylish, modern feature-laden phone, such as the new Samsung Monte or Sony Ericsson W995, then they are available on fantastic, affordable pay as you go deals.

At the other end of the scale, if you just want an emergency back-up phone to keep in the car, or a phone so simple even your mildly eccentric granny could use it, then you can spend the princely sum of £2.95 to get a rather elegant Nokia 1661 – when you buy £10 airtime with Virgin to credit the account with.

With mobile broadband deals, laptop packages, special offers by the dozen, phone reviews and all the latest mobile technology news, the Phones4u website isn’t just about buying phones, but enhancing your life with them. Best of all, that applies if you are a techno-wizard who wants the most expensive gadget and gizmo money can buy, or whether you are of a more venerable age and want the simplest of phones to contact your family.

The name says Phones4u, but really they have phones, gifts, features and advice that is perfect for everybody.

HTC Tattoo

Phones4u are recognised as one of the most reliable, trusted, and successful mobile phone specialists in the UK.

They are an experienced team of experts in mobile phones, as well as in other product areas such as laptops, mobile broadband and accessories. That means that whatever type of mobile phone deal you’re after, Phones4u will find a deal tailored perfectly to suit you, and they’ll do it right.

They consistently bring customers the hottest new promotions, and the latest money saving deals, like the revolutionary N97 white, which boasts the world’s first 12 megapixel camera phone.

This month, Phones4u are offering customers a particularly excellent deal, which features the all new HTC Tattoo phone. It’s affordable, extremely stylish and fashionable, and above all else it is packed full of the latest features. Recently gaining the nickname ‘mini Hero’, the HTC Tattoo is a handset that has a lot to offer, and it’s perfect for the cosmopolitan professionals or the stylish students, that are always on the move.

Whether you’re wanting to check on what your friends are doing via Facebook, read your latest emails, or just catch up on the latest celebrity gossip, then the HTC Tattoo is hard to beat. Its array of features begin with a superb 3.15 megapixel camera – perfect clarity for those nights out and special moments that simply need capturing. As well as this, the phone comes equipped with a Qualcomm 528MHz processor meaning you won’t experience annoying crashes or slow loading times.

Furthermore, the phone offers Wi-Fi Technology, so you’ll be able to use the Internet at home or in public to check on whatever it is you want! A digital compass is a nice addition, perfect for navigating yourself around the big cities, and MP3 ringtones will set you apart from the crowd.

Super-fast upload speeds means you can put all your favourites images up onto your Facebook page within seconds, and video sharing is a breeze. And what’s more, if you want to customise your phone, perhaps add some cool new features and gadgets, then the Android Marketplace houses thousands of widgets and apps to keep you entertained!

However, the very best thing about the HTC Tattoo is that Phones4u are giving it away absolutely free! On the Orange Dolphin network, you’ll pay just £20 a month for 200 free minutes and a whopping 3000 free texts, every single month! So take advantage of this exclusive mobile phone deal today, it won’t be around for long!

Smartphones are primarily aimed at business users, and the market is packed with great phones which offer a wide variety of functionality, so much so that it can be hard to choose between the phones on offer. Let`s look at some of the top smartphones for business users that are available today.

Blackberry Bold – The Blackberry brand has become synonymous with the business smartphone, and even the new president of the USA has been known to carry one around with him. The Bold is the latest evolution of the 8800 series and aims to bridge the gap between the casual and business smartphone markets. Of course the Bold has a full QWERTY keypad which makes it unrivalled in terms of email functionality, so if you`re out of the office a lot but still want to keep tabs on your inbox then the Bold is ideal. It`s also got HSDPA connectivity for high speed mobile internet and downloads so you won`t have to wait for the latest business news. The Bold also adds GPS navigation, a feature that many business smart phones are now integrating, as well as the latest Bluetooth technology for hands free chatting and conference calling.

HTC Touch Diamond2 – Following on from the success of the original the Diamond2 brings style to the business smart phone market as well as a touchy feely interface. Running Windows Mobile 6.1 means that the Diamond2 is compatible with loads of useful mobile business applications like Excel, Word and Internet Explorer, and it essentially puts a PC in your pocket. Then there`s the large 3.2 inch screen which can recognise handwriting amongst other things, and a decent 5 mega pixel camera. This means that this is a smartphone that will hit the business and media hotspots with great all round functionality.

Nokia N96 – The Nokia N96 is not only a very popular handset, it is also one of the most feature rich smart phones on the market. Firstly it has a market leading 16GB of internal storage space which means it will eat up documents and large folders with ease. Then there`s the 5 mega pixel camera that sits on the back and the smaller one which perches on the front for video calling and MMS messaging. The Nokia N96 also has all of the connectivity options that you would expect from a modern smartphone for business users, including 3G and HSDPA for mobile internet, Wi-Fi connectivity for free web browsing and connecting your phone to the office network, Bluetooth 2.0, and of course GPS so you`ll never loose your way again.