Smartphones certainly have come a long way.

They used to be some of the most geekhood-defining gadgets ever. Today they might have lost some of their luster, but they remain nevertheless among the most lusted after electronic devices.

From their clunky early days, smartphones of today have become an indispensable productivity tool for mobile workers and even their office-bound comrades.

But besides securing their role in the business world, smartphones have also become a most fashionable means of staying in touch with the office and family and friends.

It also is currently one of the coolest ways to do mobile computing. It does not hurt either that your average smartphone today comes with a processing capability much more powerful than the average 1980s desktop computer.

Qualcomm Glows, Shines

Qualcomm, leading designer and manufacturer of wireless chips, had its best ever quarter with earnings surging 39 percent. And the company had the expanding global market for smartphones to thank for its fat bottomline.

Earlier, the company sharply adjusted upward its income and revenue estimates for 2011. Its forecast numbers clearly outshone Wall Street estimates.

The company made some $1.17 billion during its fiscal first quarter, which ended December 27. Qualcomm earned $841 million the previous year.

Mobile Apps Market Grows

IT market research firm Gartner said that 17 million mobile applications will be downloaded by consumers in 2011. The company's latest forecast sees the mobile apps market exploding to grow double the market's size the previous year.

Market revenue is expected to surpass $15 billion, a huge jump from the previous year's $5.2 billion.

Again, the booming smartphone market certainly played a major role in making this possible.

RIM Embraces Android

Adding a generally unexpected twist into the smartphone market is the rumored plans of Research In Motion to build support for Android applications into its BlackBerry smartphones and other devices.

At first, such a move would appear a most sensible and practical course of action. RIM gains the possibility of tapping into the million-strong Android market; it may even encourage some Android phone owners to switch to, or at least consider doing so, the BlackBerry platform. Also, RIM would effectively throw some ninja firecracker and smoke bombs toward Apple's general direction.

An Android-supporting BlackBerry has the potential to bring some cloud burst unto Apple's years-long parade with bestselling gadgets.

However, such a move can also play havoc on app developers, especially the smaller ones, working on creating applications for the BlackBerry platform. They might question the wisdom of spending time, money, and other resources on coming out with BlackBerry apps if RIM seems ready to "embrace" Android after all.

The smartphone market continues to be one of the high-tech world's most vibrant segments. (Allan D. Francisco)