What is a mobile ecosystem? And does it have to be there to make a phone popular?

Posted by andallen83 on April 26, 2012 06:14 am 4

The launch of the Lumia 900 has got me thinking on what ecosystem really means for a mobile platform. I think most people see this as a combination of applications and media easily available for download by the platform you have chosen, ie: Google Play, iTunes, etc. However, I feel that apps are the most relavant in that equation, but the Lumia 900 is proving that neither have to be particular strong to make a good smartphone that people want. Now, before WP7 people get all out of shape, I have used the platform and actually find it quite appealing, so take the next comment with all do respect. Nokia is proving that even without the best app selection or media selection that you can compete with compelling hardware.

Sure you have the Marketplace and Zune, but they offer a slightly different paradigm of how to get music and have no offering of movies like that of iTunes or Google Play. Also, the Marketplace does not have the same selection of top name apps, but the Lumia 900 seems to be selling for ATT, and probably is their most popular phone right now. As a webOS fanboy, it looks as if Nokia and Microsoft are pulling off what HP had the opportunity to do but couldn't, release compelling hardware! The consumer will notice something different and will not feel hindered as long as there are enough apps to do what they need on a daily basis. In turn, once the platform gets some recognition and market value by selling, the big name developers and apps will migrate to the OS.

To solve the media problem, HP had discussed the same approach as RIM seems to be moving towards, by finding a willing partner who already has a presence in the digital market, such as Amazon. This model could prove successful for companies that do not have massive amounts of cash reserve to be competitive without the typical ecosystem approach of Apple and Google. Personally, I think it's a better model for the end-user. You media is truly yours and not siloed inside a specific platform.

These are just my thoughts and opinions on this. What's the rest of the Verge think? Am I crazy or what?