I think the market is starting to demand some last mile results from the wireless companies. I think 3G is a lot more important than streaming video to your handset. I think the introduction of universal, high speed modems will radically alter the networked based computing platform - witness the agreement with CPQ and KDDI to use pda's to control computers.
Here's a great example of handset connectivity. I bought a few Bang and Olufsen phones to go with my B & O stereo. There is an audio button on the phone that changes the volume of the stereo when you pick up the phone. Once you hit the "A" button, you spin the dial on the phone to change the volume.
I would love to be able to changes the settings on my computer, stereo, mp3 etc... with various command buttons (or screens) that would let you control your digital environment. I guess this is where Bluetooth is going to play a big role for CDMA as the interface between cell phones and digital appliances is improved.
The marketing for cell phones needs to be more heavily emphasized going forward. I really think the cell phone companies need to think about the basics of digital environments - games, audio, video, and data. The next step is using the cell phone not just to deliver these kinds of media, but the managing one's digital surroundings through your cell phone.
In this direction, I would like to see the handsets begin incorporating USB port connections with interface drivers like the Sony iLink. Bluetooth is great, but you need as many points of connection as possible so you can use the cell phone more effectively as your virtual modem.
Now that the speeds are there for 3G, it's time to stop thinking about killer app's and start focusing on common app's. The B&O "A" button for sound control is one of the best features I have ever seen on any kind of phone. I just pray that Sony steps up to the plate with a CDMA2000 phone that offers a color monitor, an "A" button to control the sounds and stations for my Sony appliances (tv, dvd, vcr, laptop, etc...), a USB port with an iLink interface that automatically pops up my wireless internet home page. |
