The Future of Killer Apps and Smartphones

Examples are software applications, such as word processors, web browsers, Excel programs, spreadsheet applications, video players and music players. The word “killer app” has been coined to describe applications which would dramatically change the way people interact with their computers. They have been heralded by some techies as the next big thing in computing and their introduction has prompted an avalanche of software companies vying for a share in this profitable market.

Apple has launched the App Store in an effort to take advantage of this growing market. Google has taken a different approach by planning to enter the game by creating a new platform called Android. In many ways, both these companies are destined to succeed. However, the emergence of a dedicated game console like the PS3 has surprised everyone. Will the arrival of the killer application be a major turning point for the mobile industry?

The arrival of the first ever high-end game console is definitely a landmark for the industry. It marks the beginning of something very special. It also serves as a wakeup call to the developers and smartphone manufacturers to come up with killer applications for their platforms. What does the future hold in store for the Wii’s killer app? Has the dream of owning your own “Wii” turned into a nightmare?

There are two distinct possibilities. Either Sony or Nintendo will emerge as the winners when it comes to creating killer apps for their respective platforms. Although it is too early to make a call, one thing is clear. Both companies will continue to work hard to push the boundaries of the mobile entertainment world.

On the other hand, it is entirely possible that neither company will emerge as victors. This is because both companies are at the forefront of smartphone technology. For example, Sony’s Play Station has always had a strong presence on the mobile platform and this is a major reason why the company’s games and applications are being made available through the App Store. However, with the introduction of the Nintendo Wii, the company’s games may not remain confined to the console’s unique environment any longer.

In the end, it all boils down to which company has the greater vision for the future of the mobile industry. With Nintendo’s recent announcement of a new hybrid phone/game console, it appears that the company is gearing towards the second wave of killer apps. If this is the case, then the competition between the two companies is just about decided. One would only have to look at the way in which super mario become so popular to see why Nintendo is the company to beat when it comes to smartphone gaming. The emergence of super mario as a killer app could be the real breakthrough that we have been waiting for. Will they beat Nintendo?