Hello! My name is Meredith Burke, and I'm a Corporate Communication student at the University of Baltimore. I have created this blog for my final project in the course Communication Technology. Our assignment is to research an existing technology and project it into the future, based on our findings, and share our findings in a creative fashion. I plan to use this blog to discuss the potential future of mobile phones.
In the future, I believe that an even greater majority of the population will have what we now call mobile or cell phones, except these devices will come to have a different name. Cell phones today already serve many more functions than just voice calling, and those functions are continually expanding. At some point, the various types of communications technology we use - telephones, computers with Internet access, televisions, music players, cameras - will be combined in a single device. I'll call it a MOHB - short for mobile device.
I will examine various components of the MOHB as I project it, using examples from existing technology and the opinions of experts in the field. Feel free to check out the links I provide in each entry to learn more about these topics.
Note: for easier reading, I've posted these entries backwards, so my most recent post (this one) is really the first one you should read. See the link "Older Posts" at the bottom of the page to read my last couple entries, along with my conclusion.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Accessing the Network
The various types of networks that we now use to make calls and access data will be streamlined into an Internet Protocol-based system similar to Wi-Fi, though with much greater bandwidth and speed capability. Voice calls will be made with a method similar to today's Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP), allowing users can switch seamlessly back and forth between webpages and voice calls.
CEO Peter Richards of Virtuallogix, in a podcast interview from Network World Panorama, made an interesting comment about how in the future, cell phone networks may become a commodity, if open source platforms like Google's Android become common and devices are no longer locked to networks (like Verizon or Sprint) like they are now.
I believe that phone networks will move beyond GSM, the current standard for cell phones, and into more Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) based services such as Skype (which now has an application for the iPhone) and Vonage. VoIP needs Wi-Fi to work, but I don't think this will be a problem in the future.
As more and more services move online, from filing taxes to applying for jobs to shopping, I think that telecommunications companies will need to expand the ways that consumers can access the Web. It will be in both the private and public sector's best interest to ensure that all people have access to the Web from anywhere, so I can see both the federal government and corporations funding the research and development to make this happen.
One of the best ways to ensure that all people have access to the Web is to provide a wireless network, such as city-wide Wi-Fi or the newer WiMAX standard. WiMAX has only recently been rolled out in the United States - Baltimore is actually a test site for XOHM, a WiMAX network service - but I am sure that it will take off and even better standards will be developed.
CEO Peter Richards of Virtuallogix, in a podcast interview from Network World Panorama, made an interesting comment about how in the future, cell phone networks may become a commodity, if open source platforms like Google's Android become common and devices are no longer locked to networks (like Verizon or Sprint) like they are now.
I believe that phone networks will move beyond GSM, the current standard for cell phones, and into more Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) based services such as Skype (which now has an application for the iPhone) and Vonage. VoIP needs Wi-Fi to work, but I don't think this will be a problem in the future.
As more and more services move online, from filing taxes to applying for jobs to shopping, I think that telecommunications companies will need to expand the ways that consumers can access the Web. It will be in both the private and public sector's best interest to ensure that all people have access to the Web from anywhere, so I can see both the federal government and corporations funding the research and development to make this happen.
One of the best ways to ensure that all people have access to the Web is to provide a wireless network, such as city-wide Wi-Fi or the newer WiMAX standard. WiMAX has only recently been rolled out in the United States - Baltimore is actually a test site for XOHM, a WiMAX network service - but I am sure that it will take off and even better standards will be developed.
Doing everything in the Cloud
Desktop and laptop computers will both become obsolete in favor of lightweight, portable MOHBs that use virtual operating systems to access the "cloud" - the name for a network of powerful dedicated servers that will host software as well as data. Experts believe that "cloud" computing is the next big thing, and MOHBs will take full advantage of this.
In the aforementioned Network World Panorama podcast, CEO Richards had some interesting things to say about how mobile phones could be customized for different purposes using virtualization, or the ability to run multiple operating systems simultaneously on one device. He believes that users will be able to choose between business and social uses for their phones, depending on where they are. Such virtual operating systems would be a great way for MOHB users to access the Cloud for various purposes.
For instance, a graphic designer could log in to Adobe's server and use Photoshop remotely rather than using the software on his or her own computer. Or an individual business could host their own server, which employees access through their mobile devices to use software and stored data. This is like what Google Docs is already doing with office applications.
Different types of display screens could be used - either the MOHB will employ a projector, depending on what model it is, or people could use a monitor similar to what we use today. I believe that people will be able to choose either, depending on personal preference.
In the aforementioned Network World Panorama podcast, CEO Richards had some interesting things to say about how mobile phones could be customized for different purposes using virtualization, or the ability to run multiple operating systems simultaneously on one device. He believes that users will be able to choose between business and social uses for their phones, depending on where they are. Such virtual operating systems would be a great way for MOHB users to access the Cloud for various purposes.
For instance, a graphic designer could log in to Adobe's server and use Photoshop remotely rather than using the software on his or her own computer. Or an individual business could host their own server, which employees access through their mobile devices to use software and stored data. This is like what Google Docs is already doing with office applications.
Different types of display screens could be used - either the MOHB will employ a projector, depending on what model it is, or people could use a monitor similar to what we use today. I believe that people will be able to choose either, depending on personal preference.
No more need for a wallet?
In addition to personal computer replacement, the MOHB will serve as both proof of identification and money exchange medium, replacing state-issued ID cards and credit cards alike.
Other countries are already making those steps - according to the New York Times, Japanese mobile phone users have been using their devices as credit cards for five years.
There's no reason to believe why governments could not take those steps in the future as well. An identification number can be issued at birth, much like our social security numbers here in the United States, and when people are old enough, they can be given a contact number as well. All such information could be programmed into a remote database and tied to one's MOHB. If one had to get a new device, the old device could be deactivated (remotely as well) and information could be tied to the new device.
Advanced biometric systems that recognize the user will provide security in cases such as these. Lenovo Mobile has already released a phone that uses fingerprint biometrics for security purposes.
Other countries are already making those steps - according to the New York Times, Japanese mobile phone users have been using their devices as credit cards for five years.
There's no reason to believe why governments could not take those steps in the future as well. An identification number can be issued at birth, much like our social security numbers here in the United States, and when people are old enough, they can be given a contact number as well. All such information could be programmed into a remote database and tied to one's MOHB. If one had to get a new device, the old device could be deactivated (remotely as well) and information could be tied to the new device.
Advanced biometric systems that recognize the user will provide security in cases such as these. Lenovo Mobile has already released a phone that uses fingerprint biometrics for security purposes.
Mobile Device as Personal Assistant - more so!
For business people and others on the go, there will be MOHBs that employ artificial intelligence to organize their time - a virtual assistant (VA) that acts in conjunction with a calendar application. When a person is unable to take or make a call, or respond to an email right away, he or she will give voice commands to their VA, who then uses the owner's preferences and availability to make appointments and update the calendar. Then, at his or her convenience, the user can approve any appointments the VA has made.
One could also use the VA to program a verbal "away message" to inform callers of why he or she is not available, and ask if it is an important call. Based on the user's preferences, the VA can patch the call through based on how important the call is.
We already have personal digital assistants, and many mobile phones now have many of the same features as PDAs, but wouldn't it be nice if our digital assistants could help make decisions and keep our schedule organized when we are otherwise too busy?
One could also use the VA to program a verbal "away message" to inform callers of why he or she is not available, and ask if it is an important call. Based on the user's preferences, the VA can patch the call through based on how important the call is.
We already have personal digital assistants, and many mobile phones now have many of the same features as PDAs, but wouldn't it be nice if our digital assistants could help make decisions and keep our schedule organized when we are otherwise too busy?
Physical Interface Technology
MOHBs will employ a combination of sensory interface controls, with voice commands, image projection, motion, temperature and light sensors, and accelerometers. Though all MOHBs will be able to access the Cloud, they will continue to be differentiated in the marketplace by physical interface.
Voice commands will allow people to send messages when their hands are otherwise busy, driving or doing work around the house. Many phones now use voice recognition, and there are outside voice-to-text transcription services available at this time, but one day voice-to-text (and vice-versa) will be easy and effective within the device itself. This could be a great help for the visually impaired as well.
Students in the MIT Media Lab have created a prototype for a "wearable computer" that, if realized, could have great implications for sensory interface technology. One could make physical commands to one's phone. The iPhone already recognizes when you bring it close to your ear, and the MOHB could go even further. Move or hold the device a certain way, and you could access the web. Move it close to your mouth, and it will start a voice call. There are many other ways that a user can interact with their phones that have yet to be realized.
Voice commands will allow people to send messages when their hands are otherwise busy, driving or doing work around the house. Many phones now use voice recognition, and there are outside voice-to-text transcription services available at this time, but one day voice-to-text (and vice-versa) will be easy and effective within the device itself. This could be a great help for the visually impaired as well.
Students in the MIT Media Lab have created a prototype for a "wearable computer" that, if realized, could have great implications for sensory interface technology. One could make physical commands to one's phone. The iPhone already recognizes when you bring it close to your ear, and the MOHB could go even further. Move or hold the device a certain way, and you could access the web. Move it close to your mouth, and it will start a voice call. There are many other ways that a user can interact with their phones that have yet to be realized.
Individuals and Mass Media
The entertainment center as we know it will become obsolete. MOHBs will use the same "cloud" approach to access television programs, movies, and music, which are projected to display screens or speakers. They could also use the same approach as Amazon's Kindle, allowing one to download books and periodicals. And even better, people can also use their MOHBs to contribute to the mass media.
Though cameras and video recorders are already common in mobile phones, the quality of these will continue to improve. With ubiquitous access to the high-speed wireless network, users will be able to stream live video and audio, creating podcasts on the go. This will take individuals beyond YouTube, allowing them to contribute to news and entertainment media in unprecedented ways. Streaming video from the MOHB will also allow us to finally realize the science fiction concept of the video phone - teleconferencing is close, but when streaming video is available on everyone's MOHB, that concept will finally become reality.
Though cameras and video recorders are already common in mobile phones, the quality of these will continue to improve. With ubiquitous access to the high-speed wireless network, users will be able to stream live video and audio, creating podcasts on the go. This will take individuals beyond YouTube, allowing them to contribute to news and entertainment media in unprecedented ways. Streaming video from the MOHB will also allow us to finally realize the science fiction concept of the video phone - teleconferencing is close, but when streaming video is available on everyone's MOHB, that concept will finally become reality.
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