The Geek CFO: Surprising 2012 Mobile Trends

by Victor Wong, Citrix Systems, 23 February 2012

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topics:
Technology

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bring your own device mobile working office productivity

For a company like Citrix that specialises in enterprise-class virtualisation solutions, trends like mobile working and Bring Your Own Device represent huge business opportunities. Naturally, we keep a close eye on these developments in order to respond in a timely and effective way to the evolving expectations of our 250,000 customers around the world.

This article sets out my predictions for some of the major developments in the mobility space in 2012, but with a twist – I've tried to go beyond the predictable and delve into some of the less obvious things I think we’ll see over the next year.

The Amazon Phone

I predict that Amazon.com, the online retailing giant, will enter the smartphone space. But it will not do this by buying BlackBerry maker Research in Motion, as has been rumoured, and it will not be just another carrier-supported device.

I expect Amazon will enter with a low-cost device that does data only, with no cellular calling, using VoIP (voice-over-Internet-protocol) technology, which will dramatically lower the monthly cost of smartphone usage. This carrier-disruptive service will likely be provided by LightSquared or Clearwire.

Amazon can further subsidise the cost based on expected service and merchandise sales.

Smaller Tablets

The Samsung Tab and Kindle Fire have already proven there is a market for a smaller tablet that fits in jackets, lab coats and pocketbooks. When Apple joins in with a 7-inch iPad, I predict these may outsell the existing 10-inch standard, at least in certain markets.

Touch-less Gestures

The iPhone and iPad got everyone used to touching their device. In 2012, new techniques based on hand gestures and device cameras will start to appear in selected smartphones and tablets. Maybe we will start to wave at our old monitors soon and expect something to happen!

Siri Goes to Work

The iPhone4S did a great job of introducing the power of voice input to the masses, although for the most part, Siri has been used for simple tasks like reminders, texts and alarms.

In 2012, Siri and other voice-driven apps will be put to work in multiple work applications beyond the existing specialised verticals like healthcare. The real explosion will happen when Apple opens up Siri to developers . . . watch for announcements at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in June.

‘Nirvana’ Phones Go Pervasive

I have been predicting this one for a long time, but 2012 will be the year that most high-end smartphones will provide high resolution video-out, enabling connection to full-sized displays and keyboards. This, along with an app (like Citrix Receiver) that accesses virtual or remote desktops, will make these devices qualify as a true Nirvana Phone.

A new standard called MHL that combines video and USB in a Micro-USB connector will help standardise the issues around proprietary docks (this was what held back the ATRIX in 2011).

I think that a few of my

Submitted by Ambrosia Divine on 26 March 2012 - 11:38pm

I think that a few of my friends who work for an Arizona call center will be happy about any improvement that will reach the mobile technology market. I can only hope for the best.

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