Opinionated comments on mobile phone industry news
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All entries are written by Anders Borg, CEO and Consultant of Abiro, that has a long experience in strategic planning, developing embedded and Java software, usability aspects, and the mobile phone industry in general. You can also read the latest Mobile News entries on your phone via wap.abiro.com, and we provide many News Feeds from popular news services. For advertising and contribution queries, please use the feedback form. News feed (local) FeedBurner Feed
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Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Wi-Fi-only phones, not here to stay
Death Knell for Wi-Fi Phones? presents a report from Juniper Research that estimates Wi-Fi/WLAN-only phones will be all but extinct in 5 years. Cost-wise I think this is sensible, as there will not be much of a cost penalty for having both e.g. GSM and Wi-Fi. The major reason mentioned is though that it's expected people don't want to carry several devices.
Interestingly it also mentions a possibility that Wi-Fi-based mesh networks might come into broader use. As telecom operators don't want anything to do with mesh networks they are neither likely to adopt them any time soon, but it's a good way to overcome the issue of very spotty Wi-Fi coverage.
Another trend I've noted, that few speak of, is that by moving away from DECT phones and fixed line phones, phones become individual rather than shared in a household or (less usual) in an office setting. If each individual has its own number for voice and messages, there's no need for family members to act manual switchboard operators. Of course there's less possibility for parents to know when the youngsters are on the phone, but I don't think the latter complain about that.
Interestingly it also mentions a possibility that Wi-Fi-based mesh networks might come into broader use. As telecom operators don't want anything to do with mesh networks they are neither likely to adopt them any time soon, but it's a good way to overcome the issue of very spotty Wi-Fi coverage.
Another trend I've noted, that few speak of, is that by moving away from DECT phones and fixed line phones, phones become individual rather than shared in a household or (less usual) in an office setting. If each individual has its own number for voice and messages, there's no need for family members to act manual switchboard operators. Of course there's less possibility for parents to know when the youngsters are on the phone, but I don't think the latter complain about that.
