Things look bleak for everybody but Apple and maybe Google according to a report to clients issued by Deutsche Bank’s Chris Whitmore — and as reported by “Fortune” (http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2010/06/21/chasing-apples-galloping-pace/).
“The distinction between smartphones, tablets and low-end notebooks is blurring rapidly,” he writes. “Currently there are just two main competitors where we believe Apple’s user experience is industry leading and Android is the next best alternative.”
Per the analyst’s crystal ball, Microsoft’s Windows Mobile, Nokia’s Symbian and Research in Motion’s BlackBerry are trailing significantly. According to “Fortune,” Whitmore describes “two flashing signposts” that highlight the trend:
° Nokia’s negative pre-announcement coincided with reports that iPhone 4 pre-orders are skyrocketing;
° Online search trends for the iPhone show surging, global interest in Apple’s platform.