| Backbone TV |
NEW Geoweb video
|
|
|
| Mobile 2.0 |
July 10, 2008 |
Faster networks and advanced handsets mean phones aren’t just phones anymore
To say the use of wireless mobile technology has exploded in the last couple of years is no exaggeration. With up to one billion units expected to ship worldwide annually, not many other products even come close to this volume.
“This economy of scale is an extremely powerful factor that allows two key benefits: price reduction and device enhancements,” says Dragan Nerandzic, CTO of Ericsson Canada Inc.
He points out that most mobile phones sold today — even basic models — come equipped with rich applications and hardware such as cameras, Bluetooth, storage capabilities and organizers. As a result, people are using them in ways that were just not possible before.
“These devices are not just phones anymore. They are micro processing powerhouses that we use in our daily lives. In a way, it is unfair to call them phones, because they have so many capabilities,” Nerandzic says.
The other main factor driving the market for these devices is the growth of the network infrastructure needed to support their use. Networks worldwide are rapidly expanding, with the increase of broadband capabilities and the evolution of newer 3G network technologies such as High Speed Packet Access, or HSPA, he says.
“HSPA allows users to simultaneously use voice and data capabilities on the same device.” And, just as the devices are much richer, these new network technologies are making data available at much more powerful rates than ever before. In early 2005, maximum data rates only reached a peak of 384Kb/sec. When HSPA was introduced at the end of 2005, these rates jumped to 3.6Mb/sec.
“A nine-fold increase in one year,” Nerandzic says.
This year, Ericsson announced peak data rates using HSPA capabilities of up to 28Mb/sec. The company expects this number to increase to 42Mb/sec. in the following year.
Enter mobile 2.0
This increased network capability is finally allowing Web 2.0 to merge with Mobile 2.0, he says. This gives a richer, more powerful and more relevant experience to both the users and the people with whom they are communicating .
“Using a mobile device, I can take a picture and post it on a Web site so people can see what’s happening in my life, seconds after it happens. Do you want to see my birthday party now—as it’s happening—or do you want to see photos of last year’s party? With Mobile 2.0 you become a participant, rather than an observer,” he says.
“That allows the extension of Web 2.0 from our living rooms to our entire universe.”
Even though HSPA is a young technology, it already has about 234 network operators deploying it worldwide, allowing rich roaming capabilities and some innovative uses that are “almost revolutionary.”
Nerandzic points to a bus company in Sweden, which connects to a HSPA network using an on-board LAN signal, allowing passengers to check their email while the bus drives between destinations.
“If you are travelling a few hours on a bus, wouldn’t it be cool to be able to open your laptop and have Internet access?”
He says a cab company in Singapore is offering a similar service to its passengers, also utilizing a HSPA network.
“This technology opens the door to creativity: to apply it in different situations and different markets. It is allowing people to finally cut the cord.”
For more information call 1 905 629-6700 or visit www.ericsson.ca
Supplements Archive
|
|
|
| Green Innovation |
|
|
| Top 300 Issue |
 
|
| Gadget of the Week (Canadian) |
|
Pick the best 3G for you
RIM Blackberry Bold
Choosing the right smartphone is an important decision, and here’s the good news: while both the new iPhone and the Bold are excellent, the feel is entirely different, making it easy to choose.
more>>
|
| Gadget of the Week (Japanese) |
Sounds of Japan
Why record just the visual when you can capture the sounds as well.
more>> |
| Backblog RSS feed |
Click to subscribe  |
|
sponsored by 
