Mobile Matters: Saying Farewell with a Look to the Future

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December 31, 2014

It’s hard to believe, but it’s been nearly 17 years since I wrote my first column for then-Pest Control magazine. Throughout that time, I’ve seen innumerable technological changes to office and mobile equipment. It’s with sadness I’ve decided to step away from my regular column.

Because this is my final column for Pest Management Professional (PMP), I’ll use it as an opportunity to tell you what I expect from future mobile technology.

When I used to write about future trends such as mobile printers (2002), I was trending more than five years into the future. Today, when we speak about future trends, they’re are evolving so quickly, it’s become difficult to predict too far beyond the next year. Tech experts help shape my opinions about what the future of mobile technology holds, so I thought we could target my three favorite developments waiting just beyond the horizon.

Mobile-connected smart products. Several weeks ago, I had to wait around at one of the big box technology stores for a computer tune-up. I didn’t mind the wait. I actually love these opportunities because they give me a chance to browse around and stumble on cutting-edge technology that’s yet to show up on my radar. This time out, the “home connections” department caught my attention, so I wandered into an amazing world of products where smartphone apps offer virtually unlimited connectivity. You can inexpensively connect to your home lighting, door locks, alarm systems, thermostat, and even your oven. This area of technology will continue to advance rapidly during the next couple years. The possibilities are endless where the convenience of mobile device control is concerned. Think about turning on your oven, running a hot bath, setting your room temperatures and even closing your blinds while you’re sitting at your office desk or riding the bus home. Experts believe virtually any item with an electronic component will have the capacity to be controlled from a remote connection.

Hands-free applications. Since the implementation of regulations surrounding distracted driving, there’s been increasing pressure on software developers to devise better systems. The main focus has been speech-to-text technology, such as Apple’s voice-activated Siri. But what about simple tasks such as GPS, email reading or other functions that compete for your attention while driving? The experts are continually developing apps to help you talk to any device and have it follow your voice commands. These devices will learn your voice and improve in response every time you speak to them. All of these devices will communicate through one universal portal to make your voice commands seamless.

Amalgamated Platforms. The inception of HTML 5 will create increased pressure for manufacturers to integrate across the iOS, Android and Windows platforms. Also expect an increased need for native, hybrid and mobile web applications to be seamless across devices and platforms. The future of the Internet and mobile-driven technology is bigger than any one manufacturer or platform can handle, so partnerships will become paramount to the industry leaders. The bottom line is the future of the mobile computing industry is secure.

Thanks to you for 17 years of loyal readership. I’ll miss our monthly meetings!

You can reach Stanbridge, a PMP and longtime technology columnist, at dean@directlinesales.com.

 

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