Yes, smartphone OS updates happen around this time almost every year, but this time it's different. In 2012, it's not only about software refreshes, but a potential final stand for two smartphone competitors struggling for relevance in an Android and iOS-centric world.
Research In Motion is and for current keyboard-centric BlackBerry devices. Many critics believe the upcoming touch-centric BlackBerry 10 refresh is the company's last chance to maintain relevance in a post-iPhone world.
Microsoft can't get a significant number of users to , but the company is doubling down with new features and hardware support in the recently announced . Google, meanwhile, may be only days away from announcing . And this fall, Apple will release iOS 6 and, presumably, a .
Here's a rundown of the highlights coming this year for Android, iOS, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone.