4G network, augmented reality, applications and games are among the mobile technologies that, according to INdT, should make a difference throughout this year …
Mobile communication has already become an inherent part of the way of life for millions of people worldwide. According to a study by Gartner Institute, by 2013, cell phones will outnumber traditional computers. And the number of mobile devices equipped with browsers will exceed 1.82 billion units. In this reality, smartphones have taken on an increasingly central role in mobility, offering more connected functions.
Therefore, we present the mobility issues that should stand out most in terms of 2011. See below:
.1. 4G networks:
In line with a worldwide trend and given the diversity of available access technologies, the 4G network is going to be the ‘network of networks’. In this way, the idea of building a universal communication system, with wide coverage and high transmission capacity, may soon be a reality. The most used applications in 4G networks are:
- High definition digital video streams (digital TV, pay-per-view TV and video calls)
- Geolocation and social networks
- Digital Radio
- Online and multi-player games (with augmented reality options)
- Voice over IP (VoIP)
- HD video streaming
- Music download and sharing
- Car Internet
- eCommerce and eMoney
.2. Augmented Reality:
Among the most interesting applications for augmented reality, users can expect news on the interfaces of GPS that have a camera. When indicating the user’s location, anywhere in the globe, the system compiles information from an environment recognition software that, when having its image captured by the camera’s lenses, triggers complementary information about the locations along the route. In some cases it will be possible to receive tourist information, historical information, services or even discount coupons. The health area can also count on the benefits of this technology, such as software to support different types of treatments, where a program interacts with the packaging of medicines, for example, providing additional information such as tables, informative captions or instructions to facilitate some medical procedures. .
.3. Applications and Games:
Due to the large application market and the different platforms, what should happen in the near future is the intercompatibility of applications and games between these various mobile platforms (Android, iOS, Symbian, WP7, among others). In addition, the development time tends to be even shorter, which will allow new applications to be developed practically in real time, so that many applications appear in the same proportion and time of social events. In 2011, the market for games on mobile devices will only increase. Game applications are among the most sought after in the application stores of any system, whether in the Android Market, iTunes App Store, Windows Marketplace or on OVI Store (among others, of course).
.4. Cloud computing:
It makes less and less sense to be stuck with static machines. The possibility of data and processing activities being stored and executed somewhere outside the device is gaining more and more space. For cell phones and smartphones, it is an excellent solution. Current research is determined to develop tools and technologies so that cell phones can be connected all the time, with access to all services and files that interest users, whether to access emails, edit spreadsheets, check presentation and texts, all directly from the cloud.
.5. Security:
The amount of personal information that people carry on their cell phones is increasing. In addition, devices tend to be increasingly connected to the internet. To preserve access to this data, security solutions for mobile devices are increasingly emerging.
.6. 3D technologies:
The technology 3D has been one of the subjects of greatest interest in the digital world and it is very likely that this functionality will be carried over to mobile devices soon, especially if it is possible to reduce the need for glasses 3D, whether for games, applications or even on the device’s own graphical interface.
.7. Expansion of social networks via mobile:
Social networks tend to become even more popular through applications on mobile devices, such as Twitter, Facebook and Foursquare. There are already applications for several devices, but it is likely that low end (entry) phones, and other simpler platforms will also receive versions of these applications. Another promising trend is greater integration between social networks and location-based services, which use the devices’ GPS to interact on these platforms.
.
Source: Nokia Institute of Technology
