Hits

1. Facebook Messenger

So when Facebook moved the messaging feature away from the main social networking app, users cried foul as it meant they had to download a separate app to chat with their friends. The privacy-brouhaa started soon after the launch, and many reports wrongly accused Facebook Messenger for snooping on users for demanding access to your contacts and a full access to the network. None of this was of course true.

All criticism aside, Facebook Messenger was a hit and crossed 500 million users and topped the charts of the Apple App store and Google Play Store. Guess Zuckerberg and David Marcus who was bought in to head Messenger this year, were right on this strategy.

2. Microsoft Office for iOS and Android

After Satya Nadela took the helm of Microsoft, he took everyone by surprise by announcing the launch of Office apps on the iPad in early 2014. Despite the presence of alternative office apps on the App store, the Office app by Microsoft became an instant hit thanks to the familiar features users were accustomed to with their desktops.

Later this year, the app was switched from the freemium model to making the app completely free for iOS and Android devices, which caused it to become one of the top three apps on the App store. Finally one big step from Microsoft that wooed its users.

3. Apple iPhone 6

Despite the series of controversies over the design and operating system, the latest iteration of the iPhone, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus have broken smartphone records. Within 24 hours of launching, Apple reported pre-order sales of a whopping four million units. The iPhone 6, in particular, has been a key driver of Apple’s growth, which crossed the $700 million market cap in the US this year.

This was also the smartphone that ensured Apple’s entry into the phablet arena, something Apple had resisted for a long time. Now Apple has two huge-screen smartphones to offer and despite the high-price tag, Apple fans have been clamouring to get their hands on these.

4. Asus Zenfones

Asus entered the Indian smartphone market this year with the launch of its Zenfone 4, Zenfone 5 and Zenfone 6 handsets. The phones were strategically priced to cater to the the budget and mid-range segment. But unlike many other low-cost smartphones, the Zenfones were found to get all the basics right, with nippy Intel processors, high resolution displays and good cameras. The phones became an instant hit and Asus revealed that it sold over 40,000 units of the Zenfone series within four days of launching in India.

Misses

1. Firefox OS smartphones

Firefox OS smartphones were launched in India this year with an aim to charm the low-budget smartphone segment. However, the few Firefox-OS based phones that were launched in India come with deplorable hardware in order to keep a sub-Rs 2,000 cost price and have failed to catch on with the burgeoning entry-level smartphone market in India.

2. Early Android One smartphones

Google announced it the promising Android One programme, with the idea to bring a pure Android experience to low cost smartphones. Google used India as the launchpad for the programme and announced its partnership with homegrown phone makers such as Intex, Micromax and Karbonn.

Despite the great initiative, Android One smartphones failed to take off in a big way as Android One reportedly offered thin margins to retailers who were selling them. As major retailers in India refuse to stock them, consumers have found it difficult to buy the early models of Android One devices. Plus the fact that all three manufacturers were offering the exact same specs, meant that users weren’t exactly spoiled for choice when it came to features.

3. Google Glass

Announced two years ago, there was a lot of hope riding on this futuristic gizmo by Google. Facebook, NYT, etc, were all building apps for  Google Glass. But with Google itself pushing back the Glass roll out to the mass market, it has left everyone losing interest in the device. This year, Reuters reported that key developers have abandoned the Glass project, as it failed to impress early adopters.

4. Amazon Fire Phone

When Amazon launched its much anticipated Fire Phone, on-lookers were rather excited by its glitzy features, though no one could really pin down how it would meet any practical uses. Despite getting the right hardware and a set of nifty features on its side, Amazon has struggled to sell a decent number of Fire Phone units. According to research by comScore and Chitika and some number-crunching by The Guardian, Amazon has sold no more than 35,000 phones.

(T2)