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Tomorrow's Cell Phones
bart_scriv writes "Businessweek looks at the future of the cell phone, starting with some existing button-free prototypes and moving on to more outlandish and whimsical designs. From the article: 'New technologies drive many of the new designs. One example: Synaptics ClearPad, a new type of touch screen that will become commercially available later this year. Unlike today's touch screens, which aren't entirely transparent and often not very sensitive — we've all had to endlessly tap one with a stylus to get a response — ClearPad is clear, so it can be used as a sensitive overlay to a cell-phone display. Another innovation likely to change the cell-phone's appearance: flexible displays. An electronic ink screen prototype, developed by Koninklijke Philips Electronics and startup E-Ink, is thin and flexible like paper so it can be worn wrapped around a cell phone. Users can unwrap it to view a map on a larger screen. Eventually, the display could be used to watch video.'"
There have long been rumors of a 6th generation iPod with a full screen display and a virtual click wheel. This invention might make that possible. The track pad could be an overlay on top of a display that spans the face of the entire iPod.
As long as it makes and takes calls reliably, that's all we need.
Forget the camera and data transfer capability, as this makes them a target for bans at work, jury duty, the gym, and other sensitive areas.
You can lose something that is loose, so tighten the loose item so you don't lose it.
If you have never had a call last more than 5 minutes, why do you continue to pay for cell phone service?
I really want a device that drops the functions that aren't directly tied to remote communication, and adds features that make remote communication easier.
OUT-
Video
Camera
Ringtone Symphonies
IN-
Detailed Call History w/ Search
(ex: show me the number from the phone call I got on a thursday night last month after 11pm, not sure which week)
Intuitive Dial
(ex: I call my wife from work, and I call my office from home, when I open the phone it should be ready to guess which call I want to make based upon the time and location)
Security-
My phone is probably the ONLY place I want a biometric security device like a fingerprint scanner, and I want to be able to call the cell company and have them tell me the approximate place I left my phone (ie Corner of 9th and Main)
Energy-
I know it's not going to recharge the thing instantly, but why not toss a small solar cell on the back and let me dribble charge my phone by setting it on the dashboard?
"Don't you know you're going to shock the monkey?"- Peter Gabriel
No buttons means,you have to LOOK at the pad when you type.That means its going to be difficult to dial under low light conditions.
An example is ipod.Every time I use Ipod at night before going to bed,I first have to hit some button to light itself up and then work on the menu/pad.
Wincopy
Cell phones are computer replacements for the general public. Eventually displays will get good enough, input will improve to an adequate state and cpus will be fast & low-power enough. Once technology gets to a point where you can browse the web in some sort of reasonable fashion, [desk|lap]top computers will become a niche market item.
there is no need to sign your posts. this isn't usenet. your username is right there above your post. stop it.
Personally, I'd love to see a merger of touchscreen technology with something along the lines of piezoelectric polymers. This would make it possible to create flexible, touch-sensitive interfaces with surfaces that could be deformed to provide tactile feedback.
Usually it's the battery that gives out, and it's cheaper to buy a new phone (what with the promos, etc) than to replace the battery. What I look for in terms of durability is: Are the hinges going to snap? Is the external screen going to get scratched up? Did the phone rank abysmally when compared to others? Is it big enough that I'm not going to forget it's in my pocket and somehow mangle it by accident?
"Trolls they were, but filled with the evil will of their master: a fell race..." -- J.R.R. Tolkien on Olog-hai