Japanese cellphone maker Softbank is attempting to knock off the iPhone and Androids from the top of the smartphone mountain with their new flip smartphone. The Softbank flip smartphone revives a dying design (the flip phone) and pairs it with more modern technology such as a touchscreen and 16.1 megapixel camera.
The Softbank flip smartphone will feature a 3.4-inch LCD touchscreen that should help it contend with the touch-happy offerings from the industry's top-dogs. The phone will also be water and dust-proof and will offer earthquake alerts and allow electronic payments. As of now, the Softbank flip smartphone is a Japan-only device, but I wouldn’t be surprised if American carriers adapted this design based on its performance. 2012 could very well be the year of the flip phone.
Brainy Flip Phones
The Softbank Flip Smartphone Features a Waterproof Touchscreen
Trend Themes
1. Revived Flip Phones - There is a disruptive innovation opportunity for cellphone manufacturers to revitalize the dying flip phone design and integrate modern features such as touchscreens.
2. Waterproof and Durable Smartphones - With the Softbank flip smartphone's water and dust-proof features, a disruptive innovation opportunity exists for manufacturers to develop durable and rugged smartphones that are resilient in different weather conditions.
3. Localized Features - There is an opportunity for localized features like earthquake alerts and the ability to conduct electronic payments to be integrated in smartphones to cater to regional needs.
Industry Implications
1. Cellphone Manufacturing - Cellphone manufacturers have an opportunity to incorporate new designs and features for the evolving consumer preferences for their phones.
2. Consumer Electronics - There is a disruptive opportunity for manufacturers of consumer electronic devices to incorporate waterproof and durable features in their products.
3. Mobile Payment Services - Mobile payment service providers have an opportunity to incorporate their services into smartphones to facilitate convenient financial transactions.