For the year’s end, we decided to compile a short list of technologies that could be bundled into a future powerful device. We have identified five trends and technologies that could change or at least improve the present devices. One note – there is no GPS on the list, as it is already present in some devices. Let’s start…
1. Increased usage of touchscreens
We already have a touchscreen based devices. With its acquisition of UIQ Technology, Sony Ericsson will certainly be at the forefront of the future touch-based devices. But, let’s don’t forget Nokia. Anyone remembers Series 90 (aka Nokia 7710)? The technology is there and during the Nokia World, the company presented its very touchy vision for the future.
2. Better hi-res screens
Just recently Hitachi presented 800×480 display for phones. I’m quite sure that during the next year we’ll see a first phone featuring such display. Nokia 770 Internet Tablet already has such screen, but we’re talking about 2.9-inch, 800×480 display here.
3. More screens!?
Some of the current devices already sport two screens and there’s nothing new about it. But two folding screens is a different story. Seok Hong Jeong presented his “dual LCD mobile phone” prototype at the Seoul International Invention Fair 2006 in Korea. Imagine reading RSS this way – the headlines are on one screen, and the contents on the other.
4. Mobile mouse
Navigating with joypad and 5-way button is good for now, but how much will it last. Some of the Windows Mobile-based devices already sport some kind of a trackball. Latest Samsung’s “optical joystick” technology seems very promising, especially for web browsing purposes.
5. Dual-mode computing
I don’t know have you seen the device called Wizpy. It works as a media player until its connected to the computer. Once connected, the computer can boot installed Linux from the device, giving Wizpy’s owner full control over the resources of the computer. Can you see where this goes? Imagine a smartphone which, once connected to some desktop, works as a regular computer. Usage of Linux could certainly be beneficial to the device manufacturers, given the low cost of deployment. Can we see Symbian and Linux bundled in a single device? Or the future Nokia 770 working both as tablet and as a full computer? Who knows. This is certainly one of the trends I’ll watch carefully.
What do you think? Any ideas?