Will the N95 fix my fix?
Steve of umpcportal.com picked up the thread that SteveP and I have been muting — that is, the desire for a candybar handset which, in my opinion, should ideally do quite a lot of fancy things. Further, he goes on to point out that convergence — the way I want it — is nigh on impossible….
Link: SMS Text News » Developing a desire for a candybar handset
So you want an N95?
The problem is that even if you satisfy your desire for a photo and email capable phone, at some point you will will hit the wall again. Its likely to happen when you realise you can really get the 100% media-rich Web2.0 experience on your handset. Google reader, Meebo, Google Earth perhaps and unfortunately, mobile phones just arent capable of delivering it. S60 browser i getting close but there are physical problems you just cant overcome. SCreen sie/res is one. You need min 4″ and 800×480 to browse the ‘real’ internet. Keyboard is the other. You need a decent keyboard too. You might even hit the problem of screen sie for videos. Holding a mobile phone 6″ from your eyes is a pain in the arse for more than 5 mins.
Convergence is not possible.
This is why we might see people starting to own 2 devices. A simple candybar phone for ease of use and as something to act as the modem for the 2nd device - a UMPC. Its the only device that allows you to move into seriously rich internet useage. And no, its not pocketable and probably never will be until rollable touchscreens are invented.
Steve
(UMPCportal.com !!)P.S. I pick up my E65 next week. Im sticking with the candybar UMPC experience. I carry a bag with me anyway so another 700gm doesnt hurt!
Super post Steve, thanks! You’re quite right. I’ll need to let it go in my mind!
I was *just* thinking about tapping Three for an E65 on my account actually…
if you’d have told me when i had my 7110, that in five years time i’d have an N95 that has a 5mp camera, wifi, mp3 player, gps, etc etc etc, i might have said something like ‘it’s just not possible’ but i’ve got a bit more imagination than that. your friend steve clearly doent
Posted by Richard on March 27th, 2007 at 9:12 pm.Hi Richard.
You’re missing the point of my comment. I’m referencing physical restrictions that can not be solved easily in software/technology. I say again: You need min 4″ screen and 800×480 to browse the ‘real’ internet. Keyboard is another requirement. Do you disagree? As someone thats been researching the gap between smartphone and PC for the last year i’m very interested to hear your comments.
The other thing that sticks in my mind as a major problem is the fact is that its cheaper to develop on x86 so all new web developments are likely to appear on the x86 platform first (PC) . How can anyone expect ARM-based devices to catch up?
This is not a software problem, its a physical one that will take a long time to solve.
Steve.
Posted by Steve Paine on March 27th, 2007 at 11:54 pm.we’re talking about the future here steve and call me an optimist but i try to believe anything is possible, okay you need at least a 4″ screen at atleast 800×480, i’m obviously not an expert like yourself but i’d imagine a candybar type device, with a flexible softscreen that can be pulled out of the side when you want to browse the web. HP have already unveiled paper-thin flexible screen technology, incorporate that into your handset, make it a given that in 5 years high end resolutions are possible and bobs you’re uncle. Keyboard? Why not have another pullout piece of flexable sheet that will act as a keyboard?
I’d also say that as long as people want to browse the web on their phones, or even buy new phones, there’s going to be money to be made, and as long as that’s there, companies will drive development. So yeah, x86 will be developed first and faster than ARM-based but, it’s still going to happen, and i’d say as far as i can see, it’s been happening at an exponential rate, so what’s to stop it, especially with huge markets like india and china opening up and erupting money.
anyway, i’m an amateur, pie int he sky specualation n all that, but just because it doesnt look likely doesnt mean it’s not possible.
Posted by Richard on March 28th, 2007 at 10:09 am.I don’t agree you need an 800×480 display. I’ve been using the opera mini browser on sony ericsson handsets for the last 2 years and its been great. The only thing on most web pages that needs a display that wide are the banner and skyscraper adverts. The rest of the material can be presented on a much smaller screen.
Posted by John on March 28th, 2007 at 10:20 am.Hi Richard.
Yup. As I mentioned, the flexbile touchscreen is a the answer but the physics on that are going to be really tough! I have no doubt it can be done and ive talked to people about it. I think its 5 years before we see rollable screens in consumer devices. Rollable keyboards are already possible. To get a rollable touchsreen will take quite a few years more I imagine.
I think people will be getting frustrated with small-screen internet before then.
John.
I too have used a mini browser for a long time but about a year ago decided that a smartphone couldnt deliver the advanced mobile internet. I want rich google apps access and flash video support, ajax and fast full-screen rendering. It was time to start looking for that Candybar phone and a partner UMPC.
Gradualy, people are getting used to live internet usage on mobile phones but its very slow. One thing that could really help is the iphone. This could introduce a lot of people to internet via mobile but it could also introduce them the limitations of a small device. Im sure Apple will be ready to fill that gap though.
Not everyone is going to go this way of course. It will only be a small proportion of mobile phone users but I think its going to be considerable number!
Posted by Steve Paine on March 28th, 2007 at 7:48 pm.