I really think that Java (along with BREW) are going to be the real driving force behind wireless data.
For wireless data applications, definitely, given how relatively limited WAP is, and how expensive phones with integrated PDAs will remain for a while. But for wireless data communications, I think it's still up in the air, and depends a lot on what types of programs take flight among consumers and business users. I think POP3 e-mail, database access, positioning, and online gaming are especially worth keeping an eye on. It'll also be interesting to see how quickly PC software developers, both in the corporate (Siebel, SAP, Oracle) and consumer (Adobe, Electronic Arts, Macromedia) realms chose to develop J2ME-based versions of their mainstream offerings.
The handsets will need to keep pace with the software to be able to take advantage of all of Java' capabilities. This includes color screens but I would also think that larger screens are necessary than are currently incorparated would be needed. Perhaps the 62xx series would be ok....but the screens on the 33xx/82xx/88xx look small to me.
One theory of mine is that Nokia might roll out an upgrade to the 7110 next year, replete with a color screen, GPRS, J2ME, WAP 2.0, and an internal antenna. The phone hasn't been upgraded in two years now, and its design makes it a perfect fit for a data-oriented high-end model.
Eric |
