More Cell Phone Software Applications Ringing Up Sales; Taking On Bigger Tasks; But product developers still face confusing array of hardware, OS choices.(INTERNET & TECHNOLOGY)

Publication: Investor's Business Daily

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Byline: PATRICK SEITZ

The only time many cell phone users customize their devices with software is to download a ring tone from the latest 50 Cent or Usher hit.

But software downloads for mobile phones are finally starting to move beyond simple ring tones.

The growing adoption of smart phones, which marry cell phones with handheld computers, is fueling the shift. Smart phone users are adding programs to open Microsoft Office files, get maps and directions, secure data and do other tasks. (See related story this page, above.)

This is so even though the array of devices, operating systems and carriers has hindered the market for mobile phone software from third-party providers.

The cell phone industry is unlikely to rally around one operating system, as happened in the personal computer industry with Microsoft's Windows. Instead, three main operating...

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