What Can't Mobile Phones Do?
In my introduction, I begged the question "With the "Next Gen" phones becoming increasingly powerful, will the need for other devices such as Cameras, MP3 players and even Computers become a thing of the past?"
No. I'm sorry, but ultimately, if you want to do anything properly, a mobile phone will simply not cut it. Let's try an analyze this deeply, and look at what the latest models of Mobile phones have to offer, naturally taking a look at Apple's new iPhone.
The latest ranges of mobile phones, really emphasise the term 'mobile technology', offering you just that. Many new Nokia phones, as well as Sony Ericsson and many other leading brand models, offer you a high resolution camera, an in-built MP3 player device, as well as increasingly powerful access to the world wide web.
So why, in my opinion, do I not see the idea of a Mobile Phone being our one and only device as being a realistic thing? Well, at least for the moment, they is simply to big-a step up from phone to device. Take MP3 players for example. Nowadays, we (the public) are looking for large capacity; something we can store all our library on. We want to be able to access media whenever and wherever, and I'm afraid the vast majority of Phones simply do not meet these expectations.
And of course, we had to bring it up at some point, the iPhone. What could possibly be wrong with such a beautiful phone. It's got a fully working web browser, complete iPod functionality, as well as having hundreds of other little gizmos to knock all other products off the shelves. Wrong. For you see, there is always one problem with all-in-one devices, and in the iPhone's case we have to address the problem that is the Camera. A 2 Mega-pixel, rather sloppy attempt, and without neither flash nor video capabilities, it really defeats the point of having the camera all together.
You may not agree with my view, and feel free to write your opinion below on our comments section, but look at it this way. Think of one device, just one, where it strives to offer multi-functionality, and meets all of them? They simply don't exist, and if they do, they're all too uncommon.
For this reason, at least for another 10 or so years, I think the old favorites such as the camera, mp3 player, and laptop computer, will stick around, and be very much in use.
I believe that whilst, currently, the manufacturers of mobile phones are not offering us this all-in-one functionality we're all so badly seeking, we need to ensure that our cries are heard, and when the time is right, we'll be able to cast away all our other accessories and be presented with the thing of the future, the mobile phone
Ian Clark
Have Your Say
Yeh, whilst that may be true you have to ask yourself this: The vast proportion of Apple's target market rely on the fact that, simply because they're apple, their products will sell hot off the shelves, regardless of price and quality. True, the iPhone does look really nice, but I believe, and I haven't checked to confirm this so don't hold it against me, they spent so so so much money devoted to the 'look' of the iPhone - which, whilst it's nice, is functionality not more important?
I just read some more on the iPhone and it doesnt even have bluetooth or infrared capabilities which to me and I suppose to a lot of people is another big let down as many phones these days have them functions and there a hell of a lot cheaper than the iPhone. There seems to be so many flaws appearing with this phone so I suggest to anyone thinking of buying one make sure to read its capabilities and functions before you go and buy one and to make sure its the phone suitable for you.
Most of the phones being released at the moment are all amazign and new in their own way. The iPhone has another flaw.. it's price! and it's only available on o2. But it is a wonderful piece of kit and definately worth buying if you can afford it. It seems we've stopped worrying about the purpose of a phone and started thinking of other things we can integrate into them.
I have to say I dont see why people are so crazy over the latest Apple production - the iPhone. Ok it looks amazing but it's the inner-technology that counts and obviously all devices will have a flaw somewere. Now like Ian pointed out it's the camera which will be a big let down for some people as that has to be one of the main features used by people these days. Apple have been very successful with the iPod but it doesnt mean to say Apple will be successful in all their productions. In my opinion I dont think theirs much else that can be added to the mobile so in the future they will make the existing features bigger and better such as bigger memory, better camera quality and longer battery life. I could be wrong but we'll have to wait and see.
Yes - I appreciate that, but as a global issue, the issue of fulfilling the needs of a global audience, an audience demanding not just Business capabilities, but more, I don't believe we've met this standard of Mobile Technology as of yet
You make some great points in this article, however, some people when looking for an all-in-one device are looking primarily for IM, email, web browsing, and document viewing capabilities. To this audience, a sub par built-in camera or lack of mp3 storage isn't an issue. They are looking for a phone that can act as a PC while on the road. This is not to say that products currently on the market 100% fulfill their needs, but their needs are different than the audience you are speaking to.
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If Apple can make something look amazing their customers will believe it runs throughout the whole product. I had a go on one of these today and i have to say it does seem very very nice. And im not too bothered about bluetooth anyway, not when i would have my whole library on the phone anywho!