We often hear that smartphone processing power is greater in these tiny handheld units than the computers used to affect the Lunar Landing by NASA.
However, sometimes it seems that no matter the hot new mobile device we are all lusting after the technology is just a new spin on the same thing .. there seem to be a couple of obstacles to progress:
Stall #1: Batteries
Smartphones, laptops and other mobile devices are dependent on rechargeable batteries. These batteries are either heavy or have limited lifespan. This is not to say that there haven’t been improvements but which of us at an event or in an airport doesn’t gravitate to the nearest power socket for a mains electricity boost?
In a previous post I wrote about Apple registering a patent for hydrogen powered batteries and the inherent problems in this but at least someone is pushing the boundaries of the existing paradigm.
Stall #2: Screen Size
I’m writing this post on a 13.3” wide laptop screen; I was initially concerned about the drop down from 17” but my back is thanking me for the lighter load and with a 1Gb GPU the color depth and resolution combined with a wide screen are more than a compensation.
We are starting to hear about flexible screens and micro-projectors but let’s be honest us Sci-Fi geeks are waiting for mobile devices whose “screen” is a 3D Holographic display with reactive/interactive functionality. The moment your display is holographic the size is customizable based on environment and need and once again I’m going to throw out there that a Smartphone with Kinect built in would provide the “touch” reactive functionality.
However, this will in all likelihood be constrained by battery strength and life.
At the end of the day I’m sure there are other elements out there are the two that cry out for resolution to me. How about you?
