Years ago, big talks given by CEOs of big companies who produced big devices such as desktop computers and TVs set the tone at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. In recent years, however, more and more small mobile devices have taken an increasing center stage role at CES. This reflects an ongoing trend in the tech and consumer worlds.
Nowadays, people prefer using mobile devices more and more and geographically anchored and/or bulky devices less and less. What makes this age the golden age of consumer electronics is not just the large & increasing number of devices per person but also the following trends:
- Exploding mobile Internet traffic. “Mobile traffic is growing so fast globally that in some places it has already surpassed desktop traffic”, as reported at http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57556943-93/mobile-internet-traffic-gaining-fast-on-desktop-internet-traffic/
- Smaller & smaller. Mobile devices are becoming smaller & smaller. See the rumored Apple iWatch at “Will an Apple watch replace the iPhone?” and “Will Your Next Computer Be In Your Car, On Your Face, On Your Wrist Or In Your Ear?”. The dream of wearable computers will be finally here.
- Networked devices & people. People are already networked more than ever before using social media. Now, consumer electronics devices are starting to be networked too – not just with other devices but also with people – a mixed social media of people and devices. For example, the physical condition of heart patients as sensed by sensors on mobile devices could be networked with the devices at the doctor’s office or, if necessary, on the doctor’s own mobile devices (Siri and the like could play a role).
Comments?
I would like to thank Chris Rauschnot (Twitter: @24k) for exiting discussions on this topic.