The mobile phone has long ceased being a simple two-way communication device: today’s handheld is a mini personal computer, complete with multimedia players, maps, and Web browsers.

Now researchers at Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) want to push the phone farther. They have developed software that turns a phone into a thoughtful personal assistant, one that helps people find fun things to do. The software, called Magitti, uses a combination of cues–including the time of day, a person’s location, her past behaviors, and even her text messages–to infer her interests. It then shows a helpful list of suggestions, including concerts, movies, bookstores, and restaurants.

When a person first opens a phone that has Magitti software, she will instantly see a list of recommendations. If it’s noon, the software might suggest local restaurants. If it’s 3 P.M., it might recommend a nearby boutique for shopping. If it’s 9 P.M., a list of pubs might appear. Over time, these recommendations will change as Magitti learns more about the user’s behaviors and preferences.

The software employs artificial-intelligence algorithms that have traditionally been used in research to make tailored recommendations. If, for instance, a person prefers to eat inexpensive lunches and more-expensive dinners, Magitti will pick up on this (by comparing the GPS location of the restaurant with a database of establishments) and offer up corresponding recommendations.

Source: Technology Review: Smart Phone Suggests Things to Do

As per a report by NPD Group, Smart Phone sales were up by a whopping 163% compared to Q3 sales in 2006. Smart Phones sales increased to 11% in the 3rd quarter of 2007 while they were only 4% of total sales in Q3 of 2006.  Overall, there was a 16% increase reported on quarter-to-quarter basis.

Another important trendy feature of mobile phones sold is about 50% of mobile phones can play music. This trend has been nothing but increasing in the last two years. 

Motorola is the preferred manufacturer with a 31% market share dropping Nokia to 4th place with a 11%. LG surprised with second position with a 17% market share while Samsung settles for a 3rd position with 16% market share.

The percentage of smartphones sold during the third quarter increased from 4 percent of all phone sales in the third quarter of 2006 to 11 percent during the same timeframe in 2007 – an increase of 163 percent year over year.

“The mobile phone market is not only growing, it is growing smarter,” said Ross Rubin, director of industry analysis for NPD. “The nearly threefold increase in smartphones shows that this once negligible niche is becoming a more influential force in the consumer market — attracting entrants such as Apple and the Open Handset Alliance.”

NPD Press Release - November 20, 2007