Enhancing Cell Phone Capabilities

Thursday, 03. 25. 2010  –  Category: Dial611

Even for the most news conscious of tech enthusiasts out there, the evolution of the mobile phone is increasingly difficult to follow.  What once used to be a device to simply make calls, the phone has become a hub of information essential on both a personal and professional level.  With mobile applications enhancing the experience even further, consumers are less interested in the phone portion of smart phones’ capabilities.

The past two years have ushered in the iPhone, the Droid, the Pre and slew of Blackberries that have changed the way we look at our phone experience.  As rumors of additional phones and revolutionary platforms continue to swirl as if ready to break at any moment, the thought of actually buying one of these devices seems almost pointless. Much like consumer attitudes on computers, one must pretty well concede that when a new phone is purchased it is rendered immediately obsolete.  Mobile apps help diminish this feeling a bit, but not all the way.

So what might be some of the next great innovations for our mobile devices?  Here are a few ideas that have hit the wire as of late and could very well be coming to a phone available to you.

Wireless Hub: Recently in commercials, Sprint began touting its new Wi-Fi routers that allow users to connect up to five devices via their network.  These mobile hotspots are becoming more prevalent in the marketplace, and it will not be long before we start seeing this technology built right into phones as well.  Much like the tethering capabilities available through some phones, mobile hotspots will allow business users to minimize the number of devices they have to carry.

VoIP: With the Verizon partnering with Skype, the mobile industry continues moving toward a more data driven service.  As more companies push data connections sales while simultaneously investing in application platforms, the market opportunity for VoIP services (whether offered by the carrier or not) will certainly open up.  Still, it has yet to be seen as to whether mobile companies are satisfied with a revenue model that relies exclusively on data subscriptions.  In the end, they may not have much of a choice.  Cable and traditional phone companies are quickly finding their business trending in the same direction, with the industry splitting between application providers and network connectivity.

Projector: News broke recently that Apple has patented a mini projection system for future mobile and computer devices.  It is an interesting add-on in the mold of cameras for phones.  As more business and video applications become available on mobile devices, there is a stronger desire to share the content beyond the screen.  It is yet to be seen as to whether a projector of this size would rival a monitor or television, but its portability and price (compared to table top versions) would certainly be an intriguing way to share information at home and work.

Payment Processing: PayPal’s announcement of a “bump” application for making and splitting payments may signal a new era of payment possibilities.  Much like some of the easy-pay chips installed in credit cards, the simplicity of using your phone to make your purchases certainly is appealing to those sick of carrying around a bulky wallet and a bulky device.  Some might fear the all-in-one aspect of your phone and the potential of losing something so full of personal data.  Still, recent technology trends, whether social media or free apps, have veered towards simplicity over super security.

David Fleming works for CornerWorld Corporation, parent company of Dial611.

Tags: Apple, cell phone, communication, David Fleming, digital, PayPal, smartphone, VoIP, wireless