Five Stages of Mobile Computing

[Mactrillionaire]

This is just a brief discussion on what I consider to be the various phases of mobile technology. Apple has probably already thought of most of this, but it is still interesting to discuss.

I. Mobility
The first stage and easiest challenge in mobile technology to overcome is the hurdle which requires us to remove the computer from a direct power source and replace that power source with an internal battery. Computers of this type offer mobility, but the mobility afforded is hampered by some usability issues such as unnatural controls and complex user interactions (which also plague immobile computers).

II. Usability
The second stage in mobile technology is to create a device that, despite lacking natural interoperability, it is easy to use, has a profile that makes it convenient to carry and has a more realistic battery life. The iPhone is the best example of such a device.

III. Device Interoperability
The third stage in mobile technology is to create devices which are aware of other devices and naturally interoperate with them to achieve greater functionality than could be achieved with either device acting alone. In short, it is the stage where hardware no longer needs operating system specific drivers because a type of artificial intelligence is developed between each device that enables each device to freely communicate with other devices, sometimes by protocol experimentation, where necessary.

IV. Sensory Interoperability
The fourth stage in mobile technology is to create devices which can easily interact with our own senses. A mobile computing device would be able to interface with vision, hearing and speaking, touch (a sensory network over skin) and even taste and smell.

V. Host Interoperability
The fifth and final stage in mobile technology is ultimately to create nanotechnology which can influence our own computing experience from within. Since this technology would literally exist inside our own bodies, it would go beyond just being able to provide an internalized computing experience. This stage is the holy grail of mobility technology. It will truly enable you to imagine any reality or experience that can be experienced (and even some that are less feasible in reality).

 

[BigQid]

So I guess we're at stage 3?

 

[fcortese]

Our bodies are already at level 5. Our whole body is a series of neuron and endocrine signals that lets the rest of the body know what's going on, we're just not advanced enough to realize it.

 

[BigQid]

Our bodies are already at level 5. Our whole body is a series of neuron and endocrine signals that lets the rest of the body know what's going on, we're just not advanced enough to realize it.

On some philosophical level you may view the body as mobile computing, but practically, that was not worth mentioning. I can see us integrating with computers to transcend our natural faculties, i.e. binoculars.

 

[fcortese]

On some philosophical level you may view the body as mobile computing, but practically, that was not worth mentioning. I can see us integrating with computers to transcend our natural faculties, i.e. binoculars.

My point was that the human body is a very complex integrated system not unlike computers and what the OP put forth as level 5. We only utilize about 10-15% of our brain. The day may come when we can harness that untapped source or someone comes up with a device to utilize that and mobile computing will only be a small part of what can be achieved. Yeah, it my be philosophical on one level, but the fact remains our bodies are indeed computer-like in many aspects. And since we walk upright on two limbs, we are indeed mobile.