June 23, 2012, 7:18 AM — If you're in the market for a new smartphone, don't even think about going down to your local cellphone retailer or AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile/Verizon retail store to get a new device, at least not yet. Every major smartphone platform including Android, iOS, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone is getting an overhaul with lots of new features, and, presumably, new hardware to go along with it starting in the fall.
Not the Same-Old Update Cycle
[ FREE DOWNLOAD: Crafting a successful BYOD and mobile IT strategy | Can IT give users a consumer-like experience? Should they? ]
Yes, smartphone OS updates happen around this time almost every year, but this time it's different. In 2012, it's not only about software refreshes, but a potential final stand for two smartphone competitors struggling for relevance in an Android and iOS-centric world.
Research In Motion is hurting financially and popularity is crumbling for current keyboard-centric BlackBerry devices. Many critics believe the upcoming touch-centric BlackBerry 10 refresh is the company's last chance to maintain relevance in a post-iPhone world.
