You referred to this device as a phone. It is, in fact, not a phone with the exception of internet calling. It can communicate with a cell phone via bluetooth but cannot make cell phone related calls.

First, I saw these type of phones in prototype for the past few years, way before anyone even knew what the iPhone looked like or how it functioned.

Second, the slider keyboard and large display is nothing new, and certainly nothing in response to the iPhone.

Third, most of these phones coming out are on schedule from plans laid out before the iPhone was even known about.

Lastly, these phones are not even close to being the same as the iPhone in terms of technology and form factor. At most, the only similarity is a large display comprising the front of the device.

AFAIK no manufacturer has looked at the iPhone and said “Oh my, we better get on our toes and get something out there, now.”