iPhone/iTouch sells 30 million in 19 months

[averyblund]

shams said:
It doesn't really compare to handhelds or consoles. Only a fraction of iTouch(iPhone) users regularly buy games, and a much smaller % would buy a device *for* the games.

 

I don't there is person who would disagree with you- I think the reason people are interested is because of how quick Apple has become a player, even a niche one. It is especially remakable when you consider all the players in the market who have been around for literally more than a decade, and yet can't seem to create a viable mobile gaming/app platform. Nearly all have been stillborn. Look at the N-Gage, Nokia is the biggest provider in the world, with massive resources and talented devs and a multi-year head start. And guess what? They are getting demolished. The same applies to Windows Mobile which has had an iteration since the late 90's, backed by one of the largest software companies in the world. Add in the fact that all of these competitiors support dozens of models and the uptick of Apple is even more surprising.

 

Apple has put its butt on the line hoping that users move toward convergence. Even Sony and Nintendo seem to be moving that way (PSP media stuff and DSI). If convergence is indeed the future Apple is well positioned with a foothold in the mobile market, a growing desktop OS, iTunes,  developer relations (which Sony and Ninty have as well), and a strong non-gaming portfolio. Does that mean they will ever leave the niche? Heck no, who knows. But considering how they have radically changed the mobile phone landscape in the last 2 1/2 years I wouldn't put it past them. One only has to look at all the commericals out there for the various "iPhone killers" (that look quite similar to the iPhone) to realize that the industry has gotten quite a wake-up call.

 

Even if Apple doesn't ever go anywhere I'm glad they have helped improve innovation highly stagnated market. This is why competition is always good.