Top 10 mobile predictions for 2010

The iPhone 4G is one of the biggest rumours circulating on the web at the moment.

As is tradition, it's pretty likely that an upgrade to the iPhone 3GS will be launched in June at Apple's Worldwide Developer's Conference.

A number of different parts manufacturers have leaked contracts with Apple.

If we take these leaks for gospel, it seems the iPhone 4G will see an upgrade in camera (to five megapixels). The rumours started after OmniVision, the maker of the iPhone 3GS camera, announced it had received a significant order of five megapixel camera sensors.

Another suggestion that the iPhone 4G is on the horizon came about with the discovery of one application developer.

A representative from developer Pandav discovered that its app had been tested on a different version of the iPhone, identified by the code 3,1. The iPhone 3GS' identifier is 2,1.

Google Android

2009 was certainly been the year of growth for Google Android, but 2010 will be its teenage years, where it matures and becomes a stronger rival to BlackBerry, Windows and Symbian.

The first development will be that most higher-end Android devices will be upgradeable to version 2.0, in line with the Motorola Milestone. This will see a number of improvements such as unified email inbox, multi-touch support and an improved browser.

Version 2.1 of the Android OS is due this year too, making its debut with the Google Nexus One, Google's own handset.

Next up comes new devices.

It's safe to say that LG will increase its Android line-up, as will HTC and Motorola.

Sony Ericsson is launching its first Google Android device in the shape of the Xperia X10. If that's a success then it could well mean more Android devices from the Swedish manufacturer.

Acer has also announced it will be bringing more Android devices to market in 2010, although it won't be scrapping Windows just yet.

Applications

In the past year, the Apple App Store has stormed the applications market.

Currently, there are 120,000 applications available to buy and download for the iPhone and iPod Touch, but other stores including Android Market, BlackBerry App World, Ovi Store and Windows Marketplace are lagging seriously behind.

However, in 2010, other stores will begin to catch up with Apple. For example, bigwigs at Google are predicting that the Android Market will have nearer 150,000 applications on offer by the end of 2010.

RIM hasn't yet opened up it predictions, nor has Windows, but if both platforms want to be a contender in the smartphone arena, a huge selection of applications is essential for success.

Clare Hopping
Freelance writer

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.

Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.

As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.