Mobile Technology Predictions for 2011
It’s nearly time to flip the calendar to 2011, and although this was an exciting year for mobile technology, the next 12 months are sure to bring even more advancements, services, and gadgets. Indeed, I’m already wondering how many of myseven favorite gadgets from 2010 will be replaced. In that vein, then, here’s what I’m expecting, and even hoping, to see in mobile technology in the coming year.
Verizon iPhone. I do believe (and have since earlier this year) that a Verizon iPhone will be announced in January. And it’s an even money bet the iPad will gain the rumored cameras required for FaceTime, too.With Apple’s 2010 rehiring of Rich Dellenger, a user interface designer who created the effective notification system for Palm’s webOS, iOS will likely see improved notifications in iOS version 5.Thanks to more robust mobile broadband options, I expect Apple to offer iTunes music streaming in 2011, as well. I don’t foresee any new mobile products from Apple, however, even though I think there’s a market for a smaller iPad.
Android Phone Improvements. Android phones will come closer to rivaling the user experience of Apple iOS devices, but they’ll still fall short. It won’t matter in terms of platform market share, and more developers will code for both iOS and Android, with a greater emphasis on Google’s platform if pressed to choose just one.
Android + Verizon LTE. Google will design one stock Android handset for Verizon’s LTE network.
Intel Chips. Intel will finally deliver on its Atom effort and get the chip in a few phones, but none will be a blockbuster success. While Android can be ported to Intel’s x86 chip architecture, few designers will tackle the effort because of investments in ARM technology. Instead, Intel’s best showing will be in Nokia MeeGo devices (more on that below). Even with a few available products, the gap between Intel-powered and ARM-powered handsets and tablets will continue to widen.
Speaking of ARM handsets … Although phones with dual-core processors will make theirdebut early in 2011, more than 25 percent of smartphones sold by the end of the year will use dual-core chips.
Microsoft Kinect. Microsoft’s Kinect product will keep the Xbox a leading platform, and the device will continue to be used for various interface hacks. No other gaming platform will have a similar peripheral that unseats the Kinect as a top-seller. Microsoft will officially support the device in an update to Windows 7, and my son will still not be able to beat me in a Kinect game.
Nokia. Nokia’s smartphone market share will stabilize but not grow beyond 40 percent, as cheaper Android phones will flood the market by the second half of the year. The company will continue to tout MeeGo, which will become available in the form of six devices in 2011, not limited to handsets. I expect a tablet and netbook to run MeeGo next year. There will be talk of Microsoft buying Nokia, but it won’t happen. Windows Phone 7 on a Nokia device might, however, as a short-term trial strategy for both parties.
Smart-home technology. Smart homes with Web-connected automation will slip into mainstream conversation, but near-field communications will still be confusing to most people, due to a lack of mobile payment standards.
Tablets. The iPad will continue to sell in record numbers in 2011, but the combined sales of Android tablets will be close behind at yearend.
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http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/dec2010/tc20101230_326019.htm
