Demand for these `computer alike` telephones is growing each day, and various brands have started manufacturing them. Smartphone provides a complete and advanced operating system, and gives the user the opportunity to use advanced features, like instance e-mail, e-book reading programme, VGA connection and USB functions. The best description is that Smartphone is a mini computer, which also works as a phone.



Smartphone has the functionality of a modern and high functioning personal organizer. Most of them have a QWERTY keyboard (small, yet very practical), touch screen (or D-pad), excellent built in camera, navigation system of some kind, which it can be present as either hardware or software, various media players, photo and internet browser and etc. That means that with this phone you have your work, hobbies, games and gadgets with you all the time. One fine feature these phones offer (very practical for business people) is a contact list big enough for all contacts one might have.

Smartphones exist for over 15 years, and the first one was developed in 1992, by IBM, and it was named Simon. At the time, it was an incredibly modern phone with advanced functions, since it contained calendar, phone book, world clock, calendar, note pad, games, fax, and etc.

Since 2004 smartphones have exploded on the market, and every relevant phone maker had to provide consumers with their version of these superb gadgets. That is when visual identity and the quality of design began to matter truly. In a selection of similar products, those with great design, nice color range and customized wallpapers were the ones most in demand.

Some smartphones have gone a step further, allowing users to apply different applications, developed mostly by third parties, and put them on the phone for free. It may sound like a risky move, but the results were great. The number of sold devices increased and the users learned to appreciate their open minded gesture.

These figures will explain even better, how popular these phones are today: in 2008 around 100 million units were sold. And it is expected that this number will almost double within 18 months. The phenomenon of these phones is discussed on the specialized summit, Smartphone Summit, which is a semi annual conference where new versions are tested and presented, discussion boards are organized and developers present their software and hardware solutions.

If you are a busy executive, a smart phone can certainly make your life a lot easier. It is one of the nice mobile devices ever invented for business professionals who find 24 hours too short for an entire day. Therefore, a smart phone is not just a companion for many, but a virtual life-support that some people cannot live without.

World market is basically divided between 4 companies, and they constantly work like this: one presents their new device, others follow. One develops a new software solution, others try to follow and do something even better, and so on. The fact is that modern business requires a certain infrastructure and a level of commitment, which means that where ever you are, you need to be able to answer the requirements of your work. That is why Smartphone is a modern days commodity we all started to enjoy.