The mobile phone has already become a permanent fixture in daily life, having replaced the reliance on fixed landline installations. As a connectivity device for accessing the internet, the smartphone is fast surpassing the desktop computer in a similar way.
Experts suggest the smartphone will play a greater part in controlling more aspects of our lives in the future and will become more akin to a remote control device.
The More Things Change…
There is an old saying which goes: ‘The more things change, the more they stay the same’. When considering the changes which are likely to be seen with the upcoming generation of smartphones, it is worth starting by discussing the things which won’t change.
Naturally, the base functions of the smartphone will remain largely unchanged – a user will still make and receive voice calls, and internet connectivity will remain a key operating factor. Users will still access social media, play their favorite online game, or visit sites like the Lucky Nugget casino in much the same way.
Perhaps one of the key changes when considering the basic functions of the smartphone will be in the increasing involvement of artificial intelligence and predictive technology in assisting the phone user with the accessing and management of these functions and applications.
Flexible And Foldable Phones
The foldable phone concept began to surface in 2019, with models being manufactured by at least two brands – Motorola and Samsung. Once considered something of a fad, like the old flip phone, the foldable technology is likely to become more prevalent in future smartphone generations.
A variation on the foldable phone, which simply folds in half for compact storage, the flexible phone may likely see its popularity increase and larger acceptance by mobile phone users. An early example is the Nokia Morph model.
This flexible technology means that a phone could be wrapped around a wrist like a bracelet – ideal for active users out cycling, sailing, or playing sport. Alternatively, the flexible frame will permit a user to bend the phone to hook it over their belt, or over the arm of a deck chair. As the word suggests, flexibility means the phone can be clipped or hung wherever convenient, dependent upon the user’s situation.
Say Goodbye To Ports
Manufacturers are progressively moving away from the old 3.5mm headphone jacks, with Bluetooth ‘wireless’ technology predicted to completely replace the old corded technology in the next decade.
The USB-style recharge receptacle may also disappear – replaced by wireless phone charging.
Hologram Projection
Although unlikely to make its way onto the next generation of smartphones, hologram technology is a hot issue that will be looked at in the near future.
Essentially, this capability will allow the phone to project hologram images with which the user can physically interact. With similar technology set to revolutionize the internet experience, expect the same technology to become available on future smartphones.
Wrap Up
The smartphone is set to play an increasingly integral part in our daily lives, making the leap from simple communication and internet access device, to become a smart remote control for multiple external devices and systems.
Featured image: Pixabay (KristianDESIGN).
