Phones are everywhere
Obvious statement but true – mobile & smart phones are the first true utility computing for individuals. The growth has been phenomenal and the integration to our lives has been huge and growing. They We now don’t have to plan how to get somewhere before we start, we don’t need to know how to get somewhere, we have virtually unlimited information on tap and local to our person. This was still a fantasy world just 10 years ago and the convergence of technology and our lives has only just begun.
Phones are limited
Phones are basically blocks of metal and plastic and you need to use at least one of your two hands and both of your eyes to use it effectively. When you are at a desk this is not a major issue but when you are mobile driving or walking then it becomes a problem. Using phones for anything but calls whilst driving is frowned upon and often illegal, using phones whilst walking can be either annoying for other pavement users or dangerous when crossing streets etc.
The fundamentals of phones have not changed much in the last 20 years, from the original ‘bricks’ they shrank down to a size that was virtually unusable and now the trend is to grow them to a size which, again, is virtually unusable. The new 6″ screens being developed may mean you’ll need a bigger head to use the phone correctly.
There has been huge jump forwards in technology and the amount of functions that can be built into a device but the limitations are holding the thing in your hand and putting it to your ear to make a call.
The next big trend is wearable technology
When I was at college many years ago one of the lecturers specialised in human computer interaction. His classes were often the most entertaining of the course and I still remember him talking about ‘data gloves’ – used by NASA in training astronauts – they were gloves which provided feedback through sensors and feedback motors to provide sensation and feeling so enabling the virtual world to become reality. He did also make reference to ’data suits’ and hinted of the ‘fun’ that they could provide through full body sensors – but that’s another story…
Google Glass has been the story of the last few months. Wearable tech that you can use to navigate, find friends, things you want to do and generally give you an amazing amount of information about the world you are travelling through whilst allowing you to keep your hands and most of your vision free.
Whilst laughing off Google Glass Tim Cook has also hinted that Apple is heavily into wearable technology. There have been many rumours of the iWatch and Sony already has a watch paired with it’s Xperia Z smartphone.
We think this is one of the most exciting areas of personal technology growth. Combining clothing, wearable and jewellery and phones/computing must be the way forward to for the next stages of human computer convergence.
Why won’t wearable technology take off?
Overall we think it will but moving from a separate block of technology you can hide in your pocket to something which is either attached or worn by a person will introduce other variables. These have failed in the past – Bluetooth earpieces have not been and never will be fashionable, also trends in fashion may counter some of the aims of the technology companies.
Will people want to wear technology? – now most people under 40 don’t wear watches – if they do it is more likely to be as a statement rather than to tell the time – their phone has the time and is in constant use – so they don’t need another timepiece. Again with glasses, there is a fashion element of ‘geek chic’ but I’m not sure Google Glass quite has that yet. Apple is perhaps the most fashionable technology brand they may be able overcome this.
What’s next?
As technology gets smaller and cheaper then it will become easier to build into more things. There are already head’s up displays in high end cars and this will become standard with Google streetview overlaying the road you are driving on with real and real-time directions. Clothing will have technology built in – maybe shoes could have Satnavs with sensors directing you left and right whilst you walk, hoodies with headphones, running tee shirts with heart monitors, also as projection is the next big thing for mobiles then you could have a 3D projection of the world around you from your coat as you walk, cycle, drive along the road or a film as you sit on a train or plane.
We are looking forward to the next period in the evolution of truly personal computing.