The Future of Mobile Devices
Over the past few years, people have been predicting an explosion in the use of mobile devices--bringing about changes to society that would equal or surpass those brought about by the personal computer. For much of that time, I’ve been skeptical. Sure, the convenience of having a device anywhere was great, but limitations on connectivity, input, and screen resolution made me think that mobile devices would always be supplemental to the PC.
And then I got an iPhone.
While it’s far from a perfect device--the battery life is too short, calls drop, and typing is no picnic--it has made me see a potential in mobile devices that I hadn’t seen before. The iPhone’s extreme portability and vast library of applications tip the scales for me. And the technology built into every iPhone--a touch screen, accelerometer, compass, etc.--make experiences possible that are neither practical nor commercially feasible on the PC. Other technologies, such as e-ink, flexible displays, and advances in minitiurization will further differentiate what’s possible on mobile devices from what we do on the PC. The PC will have its own advances, but their impact will be incremental compared to the changes brought on by improvements to and ubiquity of mobile devices.
These changes will also challenge us to think about the consequences of the technology: data security, personal safety, and the proper role of government regulation. But hey, if I can watch Curb Your Enthusiasm on the beach while ordering a pizza, I say bring it on!
I was prompted to write this post by a YouTube video I saw by a mobile communications industry group. The video both recapped the growth of mobile to date and predicted the changes we’ll see in them over the next decade. Its predictions are bold, but they’re also plausible and specific. If half of them come to pass, we’re in for a wild ride. The video starts off with a bunch of new-agey corporate mumbo jumbo, but eventually picks up steam and gets more interesting. Watch:
