Mobile computing and AI
Apple and Google: The computer moves into the pocket
How touchscreens, mobile operating systems and app stores redefined personal computing.
In this lesson
The main idea
A smartphone is not merely a phone with Internet access; it is an always-connected computer with sensors, touch input and an app platform.
Companies and milestones
- 2007 — Apple iPhone: combined multi-touch, a full browser and advanced software in a mobile device. Type: hardware + software.
- 2007/2008 — Google Android: an open-source mobile OS with many hardware partners; the first commercial phone followed in 2008. Type: software and multi-vendor hardware platform.
- 2008 — Apple App Store and Android Market: centralized app distribution and updates created a mobile app economy. Type: software/platform.
Why was this a qualitative leap?
The leap combined computing, connectivity, sensors and applications in a device carried all day.
Check your understanding
What made the smartphone a platform rather than just a device?
Answer
An OS, developer APIs, distribution store, updates and payment identity—combined with relatively consistent hardware and sensors.