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Tomorrow's 5G Cell Phone
Roland Piquepaille writes "According to Mitre computer scientist Joseph Mitola, next-generation cell phones might be cognitive radios (CRs), or software radios learning from interaction with their users and acting in their best interest. InfoWorld talked with him about how his vision of "cognitive radio" would work, and how it could redefine cell phone technology. Mitola said his vision is still about five to 10 years from realization, but that it could mean a sea change as control is shifted from network operators to users. He also said that sending a 10 MB email in a zone where carrier charges are high might cause the CR to alert its user, and suggest waiting until getting to the office to use the LAN instead. Finally, he talked about serious issues like privacy and security. For example, he envisions that video recognition would allow CR cell phones to visually authenticate their owners. Check this column for selected Q&As or read the full InfoWorld's interview."
Quote: A cognitive radio would pop up and say, 'Hey, you're only 10 minutes from work, and the enterprise LAN is free. How about if I hold off on the attachment until I get to work?'
Somehow I doubt service providers will be quick to pick up devices that automatically minimize charges to the user. Since when have service providers acted in the interest of the user? They make the money by catching people out in the details of the plan - night/day minutes, overages, roaming, 1 minute minimums, etc. If the devices get smarter, the networks will have to become more clever about billing:
Phone: If he finishes the call in under 5 minutes he'll only be using his free minutes! I'd better tell him...
Network: Shut up! It sounds like his girlfriend is mad at him; he'll need at least another 10 to patch things up...
Phone: Maybe if I play this sweet music in the background they'll get through it faster!
Network: Don't you dare, or I'll drop the S/N ratio until they can't hear above the static!
Have you seen my stapler?