Analysts Predict More Entertainment Services From Handset Manufacturers

This AFP story out of Singapore summarizes statements from analysts reinforcing what most of us already know -- that handset manufacturers are diversifying into mobile entertainment services, like Nokia's OVI, to realize growth in a saturated hardware market. Clearly Apple's iTunes offering is the gold standard here and the competition will be hard pressed to match it's depth of content and usability. I have a healthy level of skepticism about the ability of most engineering-driven hardware manufactures to create compelling consumer friendly content services...but welcome the competition to the carrier decks and hope that all boats will rise as a result.