gmtPLUS09 | live from Seoul

It’s interesting to see trend forecasts for the mobile industry.  For being in Korea, where the leading mobile telecom sector and local market has already experienced what Mako Analysis says are trends for 2006. While we may not have GSM-based 3G variants, the CDMA-based mobile technologies has brought product and service offerings my friends in the States can only dream about. The Korean mobile phones are atleast a year or two (my assumptions thus far) ahead of what you can get in the States. I’m at a loss when it comes to what (and how many) new features make it to other markets, as well as how local markets perceive them.

Below are Mako’s findings:

*The current popular device colours of black
and pink will be joined by a wide range of shades that will be used to
extend the shelf life of many of the key device lines released through
the year

*Despite industry hype, 2006 will not be the year of HSDPA

*Bluetooth connectivity will finally penetrate into low end device segments, where as infrared will start to be phased out

*3G will finally meet high end 2G levels of device weight and size

*Mobile music will form a key battleground for handset manufacturers but the winners and losers will surprise many

*Camera technology will see many advances with up to 5 mega pixel models emerging in 2006

Link: Mako Analysis: Handset Trends 2006.

I got a new PSP the other night, it’s great for the trips to the Library or to immerse myself into hours of mindless play when I should be getting sleep. I’ll write later when something interesting happens.

Microsoft Corp. executives hope the Apple iPod will be good for its new in-car computer, Windows Mobile for Automotive.

Automakers are seeking ways to make it convenient for drivers
to bring aboard their portable electronic devices, says Martin Thall,
general manager of Microsoft’s Automotive Business Unit. Thall spoke
during Microsoft’s Global Automotive Summit in Dearborn, Mich., on
April 29.

Microsoft believes its computer, which is called TBox, provides part of the answer.
Windows Mobile for Automotive allows iPod owners to plug
digital music players into the instrument panel so they can listen to
music on the vehicle’s stereo system.

Priced at about $200, Microsoft’s system is equipped with
Bluetooth technology to link to a cell phone for hands-free calling,
provide route guidance through voice recognition and connect to the
Internet using a cell phone or personal digital assistant. A pricier
version of the system offers access to telematics services such as
remote vehicle diagnostics and electronic telephone directories.

Thall said the iPod could be the "tipping point" for more
automaker interest in in-car computers that link drivers with portable
players.
Apple had sold more than 10 million iPods by December.

Microsoft wants to make inroads in North America after landing
a major contract with Fiat Auto. Fiat is installing the computer across
its model lineup beginning this fall.

Microsoft continues to peddle Windows Mobile for Automotive to other automakers and Tier 1 electronics suppliers.

But Peter Wengert, group marketing manager for Microsoft’s
Automotive Business Unit in Redmond, Wash., said Microsoft has not
landed another contract.

The Motorola iPod Phone will be shipped in the next few months but don’t expect it in the domestic US market. Perhaps gray market is its nearest future.

"The only thing worse than the iPod phone being strangled in its crib by carriers
would be its release abroad, but not here. These U.S. carriers are the same ones that provide us with inferior service and
technology compared to European and, especially, Asian carriers. Now they
want to tell us we can’t listen to our own MP3 files on music phones they sell
us. They want to rip us off on music downloads. And they want to artificially
suppress the inevitable convergence of music players and cell phones."

The US mobile industry need a quick injection of SK Telecom, AU or Orange. Why is it that these US carriers are dictating to the consumers: the (inferior) products, (poor) quality, (lack of) features and (expensive) price of their service?

Link: iPod phone update; The iPod Phone Will Ship, But Where?

While these are of no immediate concerns, the product planners, designers and marketers are aware of the pitfalls created by technology. They also realize the current barriers (interface and usability, adaptability and non-disruptiveness to user behavior and lifestyles) that stand in the way of greater adoption rates. The question is when they will respond to resolving these issues. They know what is at stake: create a richer user experience, and you will get more value throughout the value chain.

Links: TheFeature :: Design For Life; Minimizing the annoyance  of the mobile phone