Predictions for Mobile

Recently someone asked me what I thought the next big thing in cellular phones would be. There are already so many uses for mobiles that have nothing to do with placing a phone call, that it isn't very easy to make predictions.

As it stands right now, people can use their cellular phones to do pretty much anything they can do with their PCs. The internet has brought the world of mobile to a new level, and it is unlikely that it will change anytime soon. People are busy and always on the go, so it is only logical that the cellular phone will become a small portable computer more than anything else.

We aren't there yet, however. Most people make very little use of the features on their phones. Most mobiles are used for text messaging and talking with friends. Surfing the internet, or using text messaging to receive mobile coupons for example, are on the rise with users, but North Americans are years behind what is being done in Asia and the UK. There mobile users are savvy and eager to take advantage of any new features being offered.

The same can be said to be true about people's PCs. They buy super fast computers with gigs and gigs of hard drive and RAM, and all they use it for is checking e-mail, and facebook and maybe watching a few videos. People want the best, but do they need it? Do they take advantage of the best once they have it?

So, my prediction for the newest thing in mobile? I would have to say....ask someone else. Everything is already available; we just don't use it.

Matteo Soule