Previously a status symbol, then adult size toy and now a part of life – this is how you may define a mobile phone today. In short, it is now considered as indispensable not only in developed countries such as U.K., U.S.A, Sweden, etc but also in remote African villages where man eating lions still prowl.

As a dominant form of communication, it relays functionality and fashion through a small package. While billions of people worldwide now own cell phones,  some European countries contain more number of mobile phones than actual inhabitants. In other words, the number of mobile phones registered in the region exceeds the number of people living in the area. Of course, this is possible if a person acquires more than one phone for himself or herself. The other side of the coin, nevertheless, provides another unique form of mobile phone usage by people living in some developing countries where communication and other infrastructures have not yet fully developed for instant health related information and advice. In short, mobile phones prove to be the most useful handy tool for everyone, regardless of race, color, religion or lifestyle.

Multiple taskmasters

With the passage of time and consecutive technical development, mobile phones no more remain as hand held instruments of communication but have turned into multiple taskmasters. It lets you take pictures (like a camera, guides you in an unfamiliar region (GPS facility) and works a mini computer.

Since technology is on the rise unabated, mobile phones are the last thing to be left in the lurch. The 3G technology was introduced by network providers enabling people with 3G capable handsets to browse the net via their mobile phones, place a video call, download streaming and RSS feeds, send multi-media messages and many more. Though mobile internet access is mostly hasty and short, it can, nevertheless, provide regular internet features such as alerts, weather data, e-mail, search engines, instant messages, and  game and music downloading.

Startling statistics

But meanwhile, have you taken a look at the stats? Studies reveal that there will be around 196 million smart phones  in North America alone by the end of 2016, while worldwide, the number of users may go beyond 2 Billion. According to news bulletin released by Hotel Internet Marketing firm HeBs Digital, more than 21% of online booking and around 19% of room nights are generated from mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets. Alongside more than 45%  of web visitors and 40% page views originate from these devices, too.

Studies also reveal that more and more consumers are now using their smartphones  for search queries, while more Google searches are being conducted through mobile devices than through tabletop PCs in at least 10 world countries that include Japan and U.S.A.

What we want now

Despite such a hefty load of features that contemporary smartphones are carrying, people are ever craving for more. Here are some of the new features that users expect from smartphone manufacturers in days to come.

• Flexible Screen – According to usually reliable market sources, this Sci-fi feature is likely to become available (few brands) by the end of the current year (2016).
• Modular components – This feature that requires overall reform of the manufacturing system will let users upgrade the camera, battery or screen according to the user’s preference. You may, however, call this as some form of customization.
• More battery power – Use of more number of features entail more battery usage. So, until the batteries are manufactured appropriately, the features will be of no avail.
• Holograms and Projectors – Instead of the flat displays that current smartphones sport, projected 3D holograms would make people rush for such devices.
• Advanced Voice Control- As a general rule, people hate using appliances for hearing what the other party is saying in a crowded environment. Advanced voice control to suit the user will prove to be great feature for future smartphones.
• Mood Sensing – Sensing a combination of factors such as heart rate, body temperature, facial expression, etc, future smartphone technology perhaps will be able to customize the features to function appropriately. For instance, when you are in a fix and are trying to overcome it, the camera will adjust itself to take pictures or when you are feeling sad and dejected, the features will provide easier settings.

Postscript

Along with technological advancement, human cravings are growing up in  leaps and bounds. The  day is not far off when your inanimate smartphone will compete with your living partner, perhaps replacing her in winning your heart. The question is, will you appreciate such situations?