No—not yet at least. I've seen nothing to suggest that the screen size and input limitations of the mobile are about to be overcome. Of course, I've read about digital paper, scrolling displays. etc.—but I tend to rely on personal experience and I've not played with anything to change this view.
I prefer to think of the mobile as a remote control device for demanding things in the context of mobility, i.e. when a PC is just not convenient. It's also great at recording stuff—where you are, what you've seen and experienced. That too is an important point of differentiation. Which device is the key access point to the net will, in time, largely be seen as irrelevant.
How has the mobile changed society and how will it change it, in the future?
It's made us "always on" and always connected. It encourages partial attention, because we run the risk of emotionally preferencing the siren call of distance, with all its potential, over the here and now. Why else do perfectly thoughtful business people answer calls in meetings, and teenagers text not talk during family meal times? Because they know, viscerally, they are linked to others and it's just too seductive.
People love incoming.
Give us 3 big predictions for mobile in the next 5 years.
- The development of new products and services from outside the existing industry infrastructure which go on to define what mobile data and voice are all about.
- Massive industry and consumer confusion about VOIP/mobile/WiFi convergence.
- Rapidly dropping data prices.
Your background is in marketing. Can you point to any recent campaign involving mobile that excites you?
No. We are not at that stage yet.
Yes, I tend to agree with that, although I also think we're seeing some green shoots of innovation in this area. Mark, thank you very much.
If you'd like to buy a copy of Mark's book, head on over to the publisher, Future Text. And no, we don't get a cut, in case you wondered.
Edited: PC
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