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Ok, so this isn't a rant about the Viewty and as mentioned there are many alternatives hitting the market like the Samsung F490, and Nokia N96, to name but a couple. However, judging by Jon's opinion of the Samsung F700 we probably shouldn't expect miracles. And, it's precisely the problems that Jon highlights that look set to remain the barrier between a device being a feature rich phone and a feature rich phone that people actually use all the features of.

In case you hadn't worked it out yet, the point I'm trying to make is the key to the iPhone's success and, so far, the failure of other devices, is not its features and hardware but its software. Everything it can do it does with aplomb, so much so that it's literally changing the way people think about their mobile life. No longer do you use your phone to browse the web as a last resort, it's now your primary method. You don't have to fuss about with fiddly extra software or adding and removing memory cards to get music on your device (not to mention struggle through umpteen menus to get to the media player), it's now just a seamless experience - apart from the limited capacity, why would you ever need a seperate mp3 player?

The point is, Apple has proved that first and foremost people want a product that works. Having six key features that are useful everyday and easy to use - calling, SMS, web, email, video, and audio - beats having 10, 20, 30, three million features that are a pain to find or cumbersome to use.

Don't get me wrong, I'm well aware of the iPhone's problems and until I can get one with 32GB capacity, 3G (I know I'm slightly contradicting myself but there's no doubting it should be in there), and a camera with a proper flash and auto focus then thanks but I'll save the considerable cost. Also, I personally think the form factor needs a bit of tweaking. I know it's got to look nice because it's Apple but a move to a more ergonomic shape with some more easy to grip surfaces, so the whole thing doesn't slide around all the time, and perhaps even a smaller overall size would truly make it the perfect device.

As for the competition, well, they need to take onboard the lessons taught by Apple and use the same way of designing - thinking about the task before the solution - before just tacking on more and more features. Then maybe they will come up with devices we all actually want to use.

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