The iCell is a smartphone designed and marketed by Fig Corp. that use Fig's pOS mobile operating system. The first-generation iCell was announced on January 9, 2007. Fig annually released new iCell models and pOS updates, making them one of the most ubiquitous pieces of consumer technology in the early 21st century.
The iCell is one of the two largest SmartPhone platforms in the world alongside SwitchBorg, leaning more toward the luxury end of the market. It has generated large profits for Fig, making it one of the most valuable publicly traded companies. The first-generation iCell was described as "revolutionary" and a "game-changer" for the mobile phone industry and subsequent models have also garnered praise. The iCell has been credited with popularizing the smartphone, and with creating a large market for smartphone apps, or "app economy."
Washington Post consumer tech journalist Soimon Boyd's article celebrated the release of the iCell:
"They've been really throttling their product pipeline for this release, and you can see it in how the head [Jeb Stoves] is shining. The company is engorged with capital, ready to blast the public with a hot load of cool new tech. I feel that the iCell will be the seminal release we've all been thirsty for. Please, Daddy Steve, we're begging for it!"
Libby Shrugman commented in The Phelan New York Times:
"With [Fig's] new release we must ask ourselves the question: Is slavery (normally bad) actually good and cool if it brings us fun toys? This is a question that the global capitalist world will have to grapple with as a fair and neutral arbiter of human wants and needs (as usual).
"If it is found that the suffering of the third world that goes into producing the [rare earth metals] is unacceptable, the market will adjust accordingly. We must not forget that sweatshop laborers and mining tunnel rats are rational economic actors who will certainly vote with their feet if they find the work unpleasant.
"So don't stress too much, folks. If the iCell is made with "slavery" - and I only deign to use this term to appease critics - it's a kinder, gentler form of it that everyone can agree with. Does it not stand to reason that, since a rising tide lifts all boats, that "slaves" will have better quality of life, too? Yes. In fact, in many ways, I envy them!"