Mobile Infrastructure to Make It Easy

The functionality, applications, and options available on mobile phones are rivaling that of the PC - especially in next generation Smart Phones.  The problem is that the screen size, input mechanisms, complexity of networks, and relatively slow network speeds make this a difficult "computer" to navigate and generally get things done efficiently. 

A practical example of this problem is  the digital photography experience on cameraphones - which remains far too difficult for the consumer to do more than simply snap a photo (how many photos are trapped on cameraphones? quite a few)  While at Snapfish, I could see an opportunity to make consumer photography on the mobile phone a lot easier - just snap a photo and hit one button to automatically put it on your PC and in the "cloud" for future access.  We're not there yet but I know several companies are attacking this - but it takes cooperation from the handset ecosystem as well as the carriers - which is a challenge...

Similarly, I've seen some interesting plays around making the entire mobile data experience easier - and also freeing the world of applications beyond the carrier "deck".  These companies are trying to make it seamless for the end user to get the right application at the right moment with the right context.  If you've got some neat ideas or a plan here, drop me a line ; )

Comments

[Eric Chan]

Raj,

While I think all of the points you raised are valid, I still think the problem lies outside the technology and more about the psychology, marketing, and non-tech issues. Since $$$ is the main motivator, it's probably best for them to get out of the cycle of looking at the quarterly APRU report and more about vision and strategic thinking. I often feel that Mobile Operators can't get out of this cycle. Perhaps if we can great a ground swell of startups, we can turn the tide.

[Tim Higginson]

Please visit www.neokeys.com for a multimedia presentation on a new interface that addresses the need to bring simplicity to the user interface and, at the same time, make it easy for the user to do all the advanced things each feature and application on mobile phone offers - even make it easy for mobile content developers to tailor the interface to the best advantage of their content.