For those who thought AT&T
Manufactured by Taiwan's HTC, the Tilt packs more features than the Apple
The Tilt is the latest Microsoft
So why would AT&T launch a device that attempts to upstage arguably the hottest consumer electronic product in decades? Just as I argued that Verizon Wireless' -- a joint venture between Verizon Communications
As far as AT&T is concerned, though, that's just fine. In fact, the company would probably prefer that subscribers choose the Tilt; it comes with many more features that AT&T can charge extra for and not have to share a percentage with Steve Jobs.
Even with all the splashy news about killer devices, I feel the iPhone is still in a league of its own. The powerful brand and buzz behind the product leaves competitors really only nibbling away tiny portions of its dominant mindshare. In the same way many consumers thoughtlessly drop $1.25 for a Coca-Cola rather than pay a quarter for a generic soda, I believe consumers have been won over to the iconic Apple brand.
And just as it has done with iPods, Apple will certainly follow with more phones, priced appropriately, to push more consumers to its brand of products. This will help grow its ecosystem not eat it away, just as the Tilt will drive the adoption and use of more AT&T services.
More Foolishness: