Android now enjoys about 80% of the global smartphone market, and is increasing its share of the tablet market as well. While the past few years have been good for Android, the future looks even brighter. There are a number of innovations that are coming down the technology pipeline that are poised to give Android an even greater edge than they currently do.
However, the first step to all of this is the unification of the operating system. “Fixing the fragmentation in the Android software market will be the critical step in allowing the exiting next phase of Android-based technology” said Jason Hope technology entrepreneur from Arizona. Some of the highlights to look forward to include:
Mobile Payments:
In a few years, we will probably look back at credit cards the same way we are starting to look at CD-ROMs. Major strides in mobile payment technology will eventually make credit cards obsolete. There are a few companies already using Android devices as mobile payment platforms: Google Wallet and Starbucks being two of the most well-known names.However, within a few years, there will be an increasing number of companies, including possibly MasterCard and Visa, that will begin offering mobile payment services as well.
Bendable Phones:
We have been hearing about bendable phones for a few years, but it is only a matter of time before a consumer priced model is released. Samsung is rumored to already be developing the first bendable phone for consumers, and we will probably see it sooner than many expect. Along with bendable screens, we will continue to see innovation in what we consider a mobile device. |
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Google Glass is already changing what it means to have the cutting edge in phone screens; even though Google Glass’s screen is a fraction of the size of a traditional phone screen (it is less than an inch in height) it gives us a more integrated viewing experience than anything else on the market.
Maps will show us the world in real-time:
Google’s Maps application will eventually allow us to see far more than just real-time traffic updates. Google is already reporting that there will be an increasing amount of personalization in what Maps shows us as early as this year.In addition, Google’s Street View is going to becoming radically different. Google is already in talks with the owners of cameras in many cities and buildings, and the eventual goal is to give users the ability to see what is going on at a specific store or intersection from anywhere in the world.
Wearable and interconnected technology:
Google Glass is only the first step in making everything in our lives digitally connected. Digital watches, home security systems, washers/dryers, etc. will eventually all be controlled through our mobile devices. As these devices become more and more connected, users will be able to exert greater control over their lives.Before too long, all of us will have what equates to a digital personal assistant, who makes sure our homes are heated or cooled before we arrive, and makes sure we get to our appointments on time thanks to real-time traffic data.
Amy TaylorAbout the Author:
Amy Taylor is a technology and business writer. Amy began her career as a small business owner in Phoenix, Arizona. She has taken that knowledge and experience and brought that to her unique writing capabilities. She really enjoys new business related issues that are tied directly to technology.
