Smartphones are have become much more than just a way to stay in touch.

As time has gone by, smartphones have become both a fashion statement and a way to stay connected with what matters to us.

In more than one way, it has filled the niche that many said would been filled by tablets. And is easy to see why, the form factor of the smartphone is better suited to be carried around a lot easier, while giving us a quick way to access information or share with others with ease. Smartphones allow not only share existent content, but to create content to be shared in real time without having to be physically at the same place with those we want to share it with.

Just as important, it allows to do it in an asynchronous way if we choose. There is no need to be connected at the same time to be able to share the experience, since we can access the content later on.

Why I consider smartphones fashion statements as well? Because, we choose what model of smartphone we'll buy considering its design. So much so, that in from the entry levels models to the flagships there is a level of choice that has only being increasing as time goes on. Though we might be at the limit of the number of designs available, I think that its a trend that won't disappear any time soon.

Just as our favorite pair of sneakers, or jeans, our smartphone has become an extension of our personality. It tells people about what kind of person we are, what we like, and how we like to communicate.

Smartphones are here to stay, so let's make the best use of them.

KaiOS, a nice third option for mobile phones.

Browsing though YouTube, I ran across KaiOS. Its a new OS for feature phones, that allows Internet connectivity.

KaiOS can be be seen like somewhat of a successor to Firefox OS, which is now discontinued by Mozilla. The main difference between them, is that KaiOS is squarely designed for feature phones, while Firefox OS was designed for low end smartphones.

Personally, I really hope the project is successful. It brings a solid option for those who don't want, or can't afford, a smartphone; while it allows them to remain connected. And being 4G capable, the devices that run it will be supported by carries since it runs on the same networks that smartphones do.

Several things give me some hope KaiOS will become an option. To begin with, it already was the support of at least manufactures, including Alcatel and Nokia.

Also that Google invested $22 millions on KaiOS. I know that we'll have to wait and see how all it plays out, but this gives me a bit more reason to hope that KaiOS has a shoot of becoming a success that will benefit consumers by giving us a solid option.

Though they are not as many as they used to be, there still many people who prefer a feature phone over a smartphone for many reasons. And the success of KaiOS might give those users the reassurance that feature phones will stay around for a long time, but that carriers will start giving them a better service again. Who know, we might see some users migrate back to feature phones now that they could have access to the apps they like on smartphones, but wanting something simpler.