Emerging markets: The smartphone battleground (Smartphones Unlocked)

You don't have to look far to see evidence that the world of successful, high-end smartphone makers is shrinking to two major contenders -- Apple and Samsung -- while other important brands, like BlackBerry, HTC, and Nokia, have faded in prominence or struggle to compete.
Still, like ground cover beneath a canopy of trees, smal
ler or less well-known brands have a chance to grow, even thrive, in emerging markets.
Lenovo is picking up steam in China, the most important growth market there is; and even on the brink of extinction, BlackBerry phones are still selling throughout Africa, South America, and the Middle East.
In fact, emerging markets spread across Asia, South America, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East are where important smartphone battles of 2014 and beyond will be fought and won, and the reason why lesser-known players like Archos, Geeksphone, and Meizu keep on keeping on despite extreme pressure from the 800-pound gorillas. Click to read more...