We know that the mobile technology was introduced after the internet
technology and that the former has left the latter far behind in terms
of penetration the world over. Experts have been raving about the
impact of mobile technology and, how it has and would continue to
revolutionize many aspects of life (including business) in the times to
come. Numbers support the statements to quite an extent. However, one
must be careful in predicting what mobile technology can accomplish
given the current state of development. Here are a few points to
consider:
- Mobile phones are handy. But they suffer from a significant handicap. What? Screen size. In other words, space. What makes laptops and PCs so wonderful is the fact that screens are big (and they are getting bigger) and therefore, the over-all experience is richer. For all we know, a person who first starts using the web through mobile might eventually switch to a PC/laptop coz of better over-all experience. e.g. Cinema hall business in India was threatened when VCRs became popular. However, over a period of time, people realized the importance of big screen and embraced multiplexes for the experience they offer.
- Besides, like in the case of the internet, there would be certain areas where mobile phones will garner immediate success. Not necessarily that those areas are exlcusively divided between the two media. But where immediacy is required, where the object desired is specifically defined, mobiles could come in handy. But where choice is required and search and exploration play a crucial role, big screens would still be required. e.g. If you want a particular title in books, using a mobile phone could be easy, but if you know a particular subject and you want to find a suitable book for reference, using laptop/PC would be better.
- Lastly, usability plays the most important role when it concerns technology products. Usability of applications developed for a PC/laptop is far superior currently than for a mobile phone.One of the big reasons for this is again the screen size or space available.
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