In spite world issues, political battles, and global economic twists, one thing is certain—the mobile technology revolution continues, and with that comes aggressive user demands for everything from bandwidth to battery life. As Apple, Samsung, and other key players in the mobile space frequently produce and market new devices, it is often formidable and expensive for even the most savvy tech users to keep up. Even so, with every new release, consumers are excited to upgrade their hardware, explore a new app, and brag about the latest features that have been released to accommodate their needs and demands. Keep in mind, what matters to some may not matter to others, but most can agree on some areas for improvement while 5G is forthcoming and the competition heats up.
Mobile Devices and Wearable Technology
What users demand is based largely on their personal and professional requirements along with the particular mobile device or wearable the user owns. Generally mobile devices include smartphones (plus super phones and world phones), e-readers, tablets, notebooks, portable laptops, personal digital assistants (i-Pods), GPS navigation devices, and more. Wearable mobile devices include smart watches, fitness trackers, sports watches, accelerometers, pedometers, head-mounted displays (for virtual tracking), music players, gaming frames, and more. There are some common mobile demands by users that apply to many mobile devices.
Common Mobile Demands
Not everyone needs high-end camera technology, updated dimensions, or an improved display. In fact, some are satisfied with their legacy flip phones and early large-style handhelds. But for mobile enthusiasts, there is always something better. Today, mobile device users are asking these common features: lightning speeds, a more affordable alternative, optimum data plans at minimal costs, and an improved battery life. Naturally, users want these features without sacrifice in speed, bandwidth, and sleekness. Quality is a given, expected when people pay the high mobile device prices found on the market.
Useful Mobile Features
Aside from sleek, colorful and stylish devices, you may already be enjoying (or not) a number of useful mobile enhancements—depending on the age of your phone, your carrier, and your phone make and model. Below are some useful features to consider if you don’t already have them:
- Robocall and spam screening – the call comes in and is identified as spam on your display so you don’t need to answer it. Quickly go to the call history and block it.
- Voicemail transcription into text for ease and readability – when you are in a crowd in which you can’t hear the voice content or don’t wish to play a voicemail, the text transcript is usually quite accurate (not always) and allows you to see the text on the screen. Phone numbers stated are generally linked for convenience in return calling.
- Auto backlighting options that adjust with the alteration in external lighting.
- Wireless charging – phones compatible with wireless charging stations and devices can easily be charged without inserting a cable. Many new automobiles feature a wireless charging station. Hotels and many other locations are offering the service as well.
- Waterproof option – waterproof phones are designed for those who enjoy water sports or those who work in damp environments, etc.
Many of these useful mobile features are mere conveniences, but today’s society wants the ultimate in convenience and thus these and many more features serve the purpose. The feature set is never enough, however, and more is always in development and on the way.
New or Coming to Your Device Soon
With the coming of 5G (deployment is slowed in the US for a number of reasons including security issues and cost), users expect speed and bandwidth to enable exciting features. In a March 6, 2020, 5G update from Lifewire, Tim Fisher states, “5G provides an infrastructure that will change the way you live, supporting faster mobile connections so that you can stream smoother movies, upload videos quicker, and connect more of your devices to the internet with fewer delays.” While 5G is becoming available, other new technologies and wish lists may keep users busy for awhile:
- The Pixel 4 Android smartphone from Google was released 10/19 as “…the first camera that can take a picture of the Milky Way with one tap.” Its Motion Sense feature is said to control apps with an in-air swipe.
- Low-capacity batteries that are still narrow and sleek.
- A sensor that silences your phone alarm when you get near it.
- A sensor that unlocks the screen when you merely view your device.
- Software capable of learning our mobile habits and preferences in terms of scrolling and swiping for swiftness and ease-ability.
- New foldables by Galaxy, Samsung and Motorola are improving for market release.
- Phones that come with a built-in protective screen and cover so you don’t have to spend even more to add them.
- Custom app-ization – so you can add the apps you need instead of getting dozens of apps you don’t need.
- Cinema-quality viewing for your smartphone.
How Mobile Technology is Changing the World
There is no question that mobile technology is changing our world. The question is how? The answer is, “in every way we can think of.” While we move in to new generations of mobile technology, the best we can do is try to keep up. Upgrade your work environment, stay current, and talk to experts. The specialists at RackCo offer one more way to become tech-savvy and get your office prepared for the technological advancements of the future. The mobile revolution is upon us.
