October 3, 2005 09:14 PM
Always-on connected devices
As we are moving to an even more connected world, it doesn't seem right that we do not see that many "always-on" devices, with permanent connection to the Internet or to a local network. With more web applications being launched everyday, I think the natural evolution would be to have the application and the databases on the server-side.
One example is UpToDate. We already can access it over the Internet, and we can also install it on a PDA. It just does not make sense to install almost 1 Gb of data into a PDA, and have to re-install everything (or update) every 3 months or so. Let the developer deal with it. As an user, I want to be able to check on information that is readily available and not have to worry about memory space or installation issues.
The issue of always-on devices comes in when we need a device that:
- receives IM, SMS and email, instantly
- can obtain information immediatelly, without having to go through a tedious process of connecting, etc. Just open a browser and you're getting what you need
- synchronizes contacts, schedules, to-do lists, notes, etc, without the user's request to do so. If the device perceives something as new or updated, a sync sequence is started.
That's why I don't see PalmOS or Windows Mobile 5.0 as platforms that can deliver that....yet. Blackberry seems to be closer, but their focus is on enterprise solutions, so I'm not sure we will ever see a consumer device by RIM that is aimed at consumers. I might be wrong, but I think we will see dramatic changes in the next versions of the mobile operating systems.
Posted by leo at October 3, 2005 09:14 PM
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