Monday, April 09, 2007

5 Features That Should Be In Future Mobile Devices

- Large Touch Display
Not just any ordinary touch display of course. I'm thinking ultra thin, ultra energy efficient, and possibly implementing some sort of tactile feedback technology as well. Current screens are quite good, and definitely much better than those of the past, but I think there's plenty room for improvement of the visual and interactive experience that make up a large part of a mobile device's usability.

- Long Lasting Battery
Battery technology is one area that has been in need of improvement for some time now. Ironically, it's also on of the biggest deciding factors for people looking to purchase a new mobile device. With so many features being squeezed into mobiles these days, it's understandable why the technology that powers it all never seems to be enough. There are some pretty interesting ideas for better battery solutions out there, and it's about time we start seeing some of them come out of the labs and into the market.

- Easy To Use Interface
This one's a bit tricky. How do you improve the user mobile interface without changing too much? I think the key answer to that question has always been to create a connection and communication bridge between the developers and the users of the devices. Of course that's easier said than done, but it needs to be done never the less. Back and forth communication between developers and users ensure not only the success of a device, but also provides a good foundation of customer support, marketing potential, and the overall progress of interface design as a whole.

- Flexible Customization Options
Being free minded and free spirited, it's almost insane for mobile device makers to believe people of the world should be limited in what they can or can't do with the devices they purchase. Although many manufacturers and service providers are beginning to realize how much this affects their numbers of customers, there are still those that have limits on features such as Bluetooth, wifi, and connectivity functions in general. Also, giving the individual user the freedom and ability to personalize their mobile experience provides a sense of comfort when using the devices, and that's something that's hard to put a price tag on.

- Powerful Processor
This is a no-brainer. You need a more powerful, more efficient processor to enable the current and future applications to function well on mobiles. The days of only voice, text, and some images capabilities are over. We are in the age where we want to be able to watch video, listen to audio, and capture pictures and video content all on the same device, and that type of use demands more power. More than likely the most expensive part of this whole equation, the benefits should still be able to outweigh the cost of the final product. It may take a generation or two to get the right mix of functionality and cost into these mobile processors, but it will be worth it in the long run.

So, although there are devices that currently implement one or two of these five key elements, it will be the total combination of the features that will bring us another step towards the greater mobile experience. I believe we're moving in the right direction with the current progress of these devices, and I am excited about the future because of it.

2 Comments:

At 4:14 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

So it has to be tactile, solar, intuitive, individual and functional.

I like your thinking Derek. Someone should snap you up as an tech futures advisor.

 
At 6:03 PM, Blogger Derek_Coleman said...

Thanks. I probably follow this stuff a bit too religiously at times, but I just can't help but think about the future and how great it can/will be.

Mobile tech is definitely going to be a big part of the future going forward, and it's up to us early adopters to help others catch up and benefit from it as well.

 

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