TORONTO--(Marketwire - June 29, 2007) - BrandIntel today released a new study analyzing consumer purchasing intent for leading smartphones by Apple, BlackBerry, Helio, LG, Motorola and Nokia. The BrandIntel report, titled "Smartphones - Consumer Insight Monitor," found that while Apple's iPhone led in online consumer discussion volume, consumers overall are still neutral on their intent to purchase. BlackBerry remains strong with both the Curve 8300 and the 8800 generating positive intent to purchase scores.

Based on analysis of original consumer-generated content, the "Smartphone Report" captures data from January 1 to June 11 of this year. Additional key findings from the study include:

--  The Apple iPhone is the most talked about product in the smartphone
    market owning 25% of the discussion. While typically high levels of
    discussion indicate consumers are overwhelmingly critical, the iPhone
    managed to retain positive intent to purchase particularly around the
    iPhone's style, the perceived superiority of its applications and the
    strength of the Apple brand.
--  The BlackBerry devices (Curve 8300 and 8800) have strong consumer
    sentiment for overall appeal and style; these devices will do well if the
    iPhone does not resonate with consumers.
--  Although the Motorola Q generated 11% discussion share, overall
    consumer perception regarding the phone and Motorola as a company was below
    average.
--  While consumers are highly engaged in discussions about the LG
    Chocolate and the Nokia N95, consumers have criticized their poor
    interfaces and short battery life.
--  Despite receiving only half the discussion share compared to the
    iPhone, overall sentiment and anticipation was high for the Helio Ocean.
    

"The Apple iPhone has been the most talked about product in the smartphone market and its success or failure will have a big impact for the competitive landscape," said Alan Dean, vice president of Business Innovation, BrandIntel. "Just as the iPod defined the digital music space, iPhone's potential success could mean that companies like Helio, Motorola and LG would lose a significant share of potential customers in what would appear to be a race between Apple and BlackBerry."

The BrandIntel report provides research, marketing, communications and customer relationship management executives with actionable information to support decision-making through a better understanding of consumer usage behavior, as well as industry trends and influences.

To view a summary of the report, visit www.brandintel.com.

About BrandIntel (www.brandintel.com)

BrandIntel, a Brandimensions Inc. company, translates online consumer-published content into reliable intelligence, enabling businesses to advance the science of decision making. The company offers an information-delivery platform combining human intelligence with award-winning technology for the most trusted market data in the industry. The BrandIntel data helps businesses validate critical business decisions, uncover new opportunities for value creation, and get closer to customers. BrandIntel works with Fortune 1000 companies and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with offices in the United States.

Click here to see all recent news from this company