While instant messaging remains such a fragmented communication landscape, SMS (which bridges all phone types and carrier networks) retains a significant advantage.

CNN: One-third of Americans prefer texts to voice calls

While the connectivity, ubiquity and carrier subsidization of smartphones make them a triple threat, tablets have also had an impact on several device types that attained a degree of traction, such as netbooks and e-readers.

ENGADGET: Switched On: When the smartphone giveth, Part 2