they still don't have the PalmOS PIM apps beat
coming from someone who still has people using PalmOS PDA's, I've not seen a smartphone PIM package yet which comes close to the ease-of-use we get from the PalmOS PIM apps.
Just look at how you use the search field on PalmOS and you'll see what I mean.
So yes, it is the interface but there's still a void. It is also the performance because a sluggish interface is still not an acceptable interface even if the graphics and layout are nice. It is also the reliability of the whole system. And, to some extent it is the cost. But we've seen with the iPhone how there is still a huge market for high cost devices with high cost service contracts. It amazes me how many kids I see with iPhones and wonder who is paying those ~$100/month phone bills.
Speaking of phone bills, we all know Microsoft is just fine with subsidizing their products to the tune of billions annually and that might be their way back into the game. Could they, would they be willing to spend billions in subsidies to team with a carrier and sell a phone/service combo costing only $49/month for unlimited data? Microsoft could pull the SMS stuff into their server sphere over the IP network.
I don't think Microsoft can come back by making a better product. They have never done that but they have used their cash reserves to entice pre-loads and pre-packaging sweetheart deals to buy the market share they need to stay in the games. This is how they will attempt to re-enter the phone segment and not by beating Apple or Google with a better product.
Paris, because she's all about the marketing.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
