Additional Reflections for RCS497 Edgewood

I came across an article today from BBC News Technology.

                  Third of adults 'use smartphone' says Ofcom report (1)

This ties in well with the reflection questions and the readings Kathleen has assigned. We have seen so many technological booms in our lifetime, and have become even more aware since becoming IT professionals. It fascinates me how differently technology is used and viewed by varying age groups.

In looking at the 3rd of the adult UK population using smartphones, it broke down the percent of usages between adults and teen agers. Not surprisingly, adults tended to use their smartphones for more practical uses – Primarily for email, web access and Social networking. Then in smaller quantities - GPS, News and sports. Teens on the other hand, massively out weighed the adult use. Their big three were Social Networking, music, and games. Followed by email, taking photos/video, internet, instant messaging.

This general overview gives us a good glimpse into how each new “technological generation” embraces technology differently. Expectations and needs are quite different. Granted, adults will always tend to be more pragmatic than teenagers when using these devices. It the “Tool vs. Toy” mentality (which I struggle with ALL the time – having an internal age MUCH younger than my physical one). But even considering that factor, younger users are savvy, and quick to pick up on many of the new applications available.

The article also looked at “regular’ internet use –and how it’s use is changing. As more and more of the population becomes “I grew up with that technology”, more demand for smaller, faster, less complicated interfaces will be expected. The mouse was a wonderful invention, it allowed for a much better computing experience. Now, however, touch screens on portable devices is the trend. I see in the future devices that will follow finger/hand movement with no physical contact with the device. Already we have cameras that follow where your eye is looking in the viewfinder. This same technology could be added to smart devices, even “SmartGlass” perhaps.

In any event, mass amounts of viable applications, and ease of use will drive the market and the technology we will shortly see coming our way. As the Baby Boomers move out of the main focus for product sales, it will be interesting to see what the new trends will bring – marketing to a whole generation who have always had video games, computers, and for most of their lives – the internet. The 2020 Super Bowel commercials will certainly be interesting to say the least.

(1) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-14397101