Where to Next for the Smartphone?

What can we expect to see in terms of the development of smartphones over the next five to ten years? This is hard to predict accurately thanks to how rapidly the tech has been evolving, but an observation of the existing trends, coupled with some wild guesses, may be able to give us an idea.

1. Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality, or AR, refers to what we perceive by means of our senses, usually referring to sight, being enhanced by the use of sensory input generated by computers through sound, graphics, GPS data, and video.

To put it simply, AR makes more info available for users by combining the data available on our devices with what we see in real life. More smartphones will likely soon be able to make use of this tech, so that you would be able to point it at something live in order to get an info overlay of where you can find the nearest cafes, for example.

2. Flexible Screens

It may also be the case soon where smartphones can provide a big screen with which to watch your favourite films, and play games, while holding on the pocket-size portability these devices are able to deliver.

Imagine watching a football game you are enjoying with a little money riding on the outcome thanks to the betting NZ and the rest of the world provides, on a big screen wherever you are! Screens can now be folded and unfolded, thanks to OLED tech, Organic Light-Emitting Diode technology, and these can even project from both sides of the screen, allowing you to show pictures and video to someone on one side whilst controlling the feed on the other.

3. In-Built Projector

If flexible screens are not enough to recompense for the smaller size of the smartphone screens, why not integrate a projector? The Samsung Galaxy Beam got introduced in the latter part of 2010, featuring an inbuilt DLP WVGA projector that is able to beam future-features smartphones at up to 50 inches, in 15 lumens size.

This will allow users to transform smartphones into interactive gaming consoles without needing a television screen -all that will be required is a flat service.

Instead of a physical controller, your voice or body can be used. Similarly to Kinect, a smart camera paired with a voice control function will be able to capture your voice commands and movements, and so allow you to communicate with objects and future-features smartphones on the screen that is being projected.

The Future is Now

In terms of technology, we are most certainly living in the once far-fetched future reality predicted by science-fiction from days gone by. We are relying more and more heavily on our internet-ready devices to accomplish our day-to-day tasks, and they are getting better and better at doing just that.

The future is wide-open, and, while absolutely anything could happen, as the past 20 years have proven time and time again, these three developments are the most likely in terms of the smartphone.