2011: Mobile phones to get smarter, cheaper

Smartphones are expected to get even smarter next year, according to major South Korean phonemakers who believe the devices will continue to be a boon for business.

“It’s going to be a big year for smartphones, and companies are going to go all out to roll out phones with new and smarter features to make their mark,” said Cho Joong-kwon, a spokesman for LG Electronics. 

Samsung Electronics also said they will focus on producing smartphones on all ends. 

Smartphones had actually appeared to be off to a slow start earlier this year when South Korea seemed to fall a cycle behind the latest IT trend.