An issue many of us have dealt with over the past few years is the restriction by carriers over what applications we can download to our phones. Your cell phone can do so much, but it’s totally limited by the network operators. Well, until recently. It seems that they’re loosening their grip over the flow of applications. And guess what? It’s leading to higher data usage, which is exactly what they’re looking for right now. As Dianne See Morrison of mocoNews.net puts it: “Here’s a shocker: consumers given the freedom and control to download the applications of their choice, may just end up using the services more.”
Morrison points out the next issue carriers will have to deal with when working with mobile applications: compatibility. What works on Windows Mobile does not work on BlackBerry OS, does not work on LiMo, and will not work on Android. That’s not to mention Symbian, Palm OS, and…well, you get the point. When people change phones, they essentially lose their apps the way it works now.
Venture capitalists are putting their money into mobile applications, which is a good sign for consumers. Apps are normally a cheap way to improve your cell phone. However, until we deal with these compatibility issues, what you buy amounts to a temporary license. That, of course, is a hindrance to consumers everywhere.
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