Mobility
There's a certain incredibleness to the mobile internet. Of course I believe this, as I'm designing software that should make the mobile internet way more accessible, but I'm really talking about the principle of it now. I'm on a train right now, that's passing a beach along the Atlantic, on my way to Boston. And does anyone find it remarkable that I'm using the internet, basically at DSL speeds? I watched an episode of the Nine in which I discovered the wonders of panoramic pictures of places such as Machu Pichu and Times Square. I could stream music or video at these speeds, and even use remote desktop to access my home computer if need be. In addition, I can chat on AIM, send emails, and play a game of go with people in japan. What's incredible is that I can do this anywhere. The fact that I can do it on a train means that a large portion of east coast terrain is covered by EV-DO speed wireless internet. I could probably go to the beach and still get these speeds. Really, I think what the whole wireless shift is further integrating the internet into our lives. No longer is information restricted to the confines of a cubicle or your office at home. If you need to know something, or talk to someone, you can do it...anywhere.
I don't know if people quite realize how powerful this is yet. Certainly, I was a late adopter of the cell phone, mainly cause I didn't use my landline all that much. In addition, when Mike first came to me and told me about his desire to develop software for the cell phone, I wasn't really that interested. I mean, a year and a half ago, I didn't really think the mobile internet was really there yet. Cell phones still seemed fairly primative, and the internet speeds were painfully slow. What a difference a year makes, eh?
And what difference does it make? Why does it matter that you can take your laptop out on the beach and access the internet? Fact is, the way things are nowadays, its hard to be productive without internet access. Coders can reference other projects, language documentation, and forums online to help them solve a difficult problem. A writer could look up some piece of information on wikipedia that he or she needs in order to ensure accuracy. Scientists can have full access to all the journals out there, and a music fan can buy a new piece of music on the spot via itunes. And the outdoors can provide a wonderful atmosphere to do creative work. The ability to choose where you want to work from just about any place on the earth is really quite incredible.
It'll probably be another year or so until all this stuff becomes mainstream. I imagine that the cellular providers are betting on wireless broadband phasing out wifi, and certainly it's possible that this will happen. Of course, its possible that short range high speed wireless will always have its place, but really, are most people going to want a laneline cable connection when you can get cable speeds wirelessly in one plan that grants internet to your desktop, laptop, and cell phone anywhere you are?
Anyway, just some thoughts for the day. Meantime, I'm hungry. Too bad my computer doesn't feed me.
I don't know if people quite realize how powerful this is yet. Certainly, I was a late adopter of the cell phone, mainly cause I didn't use my landline all that much. In addition, when Mike first came to me and told me about his desire to develop software for the cell phone, I wasn't really that interested. I mean, a year and a half ago, I didn't really think the mobile internet was really there yet. Cell phones still seemed fairly primative, and the internet speeds were painfully slow. What a difference a year makes, eh?
And what difference does it make? Why does it matter that you can take your laptop out on the beach and access the internet? Fact is, the way things are nowadays, its hard to be productive without internet access. Coders can reference other projects, language documentation, and forums online to help them solve a difficult problem. A writer could look up some piece of information on wikipedia that he or she needs in order to ensure accuracy. Scientists can have full access to all the journals out there, and a music fan can buy a new piece of music on the spot via itunes. And the outdoors can provide a wonderful atmosphere to do creative work. The ability to choose where you want to work from just about any place on the earth is really quite incredible.
It'll probably be another year or so until all this stuff becomes mainstream. I imagine that the cellular providers are betting on wireless broadband phasing out wifi, and certainly it's possible that this will happen. Of course, its possible that short range high speed wireless will always have its place, but really, are most people going to want a laneline cable connection when you can get cable speeds wirelessly in one plan that grants internet to your desktop, laptop, and cell phone anywhere you are?
Anyway, just some thoughts for the day. Meantime, I'm hungry. Too bad my computer doesn't feed me.