I would refer back then to what the FDA considers an app. I'm not referring to documentation, but something that is performing an action (e.g a measurement). The FDA will ultimately be the arbiter, so if you are in the medical device industry (as I am) you would be wise to accept that guidance and consult with your legal and compliance teams. Ask Pfizer exactly how much the government likes coming after violators.

Obviously if it is a direct translation of a document no. If it is an app being used for clinical diagnostics (e.g. measuring something) then yes it's a medical device. The situation you are inferring is obviously not the case. Again there is guidance already out there from the FDA on this issue. Read it. Or attend this: Medical Device Mobile Apps: What Needs FDA Approval An FDAnews Virtual Conference Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EDT http://www.fdanews.com/conference/detail?eventId=3193&hittrk=12809LT&utm_source=MagnetMail&utm_medium=email&utm_term=mmarkiew@wlgore.com&utm_content=L12830%20-%2012809LT%20-%208/9/12%20-%20DV/MBDV/MDV/RDD/RDV/MD&utm_campaign=Medical%20Device%20App%20Development%20%E2%80%94%20What%20Needs%20FDA%20Approval%20and%20What%20Doesn't%20%20

We are talking about apps in the hands of doctors potentially using them for diagnosis. There is a huge difference between that and an app in the hands of a consumer for self diagnosis (a sugar pill). The consumer can do that now with WebMD et al.

If the app impacts diagnosis in any way it is no longer just an app, it's a medical device, and subject to regulation. This doesn't even begin to speak to patient data stored locally in an app and current HIPAA regulation.

Speaking as someone who works as a mobility specialist in the medical products industry, the FDA already issues guidance in this area. It won't be long before the guidance turns into regulation.

Phone Arena is another good one. http://www.phonearena.com/

I can only assume by your comment that you don't follow markets in general, or Palm specifically. Palm is more than likely going to be purchased fairly soon which will increase the stock price dramatically before the purchase. HTC seems like a natural fit, though the most interesting idea I've heard is RIM. It would be nice if Blackberry's came with an actual OS. WebOS is the best mobile OS available, with Android a close second, so there is plenty of value there. Palm also hold a lot of valuable IP and Patents.