The guys @ ala are doing something long overdue. I’d like to see the results when they finish aggregating a decent amount of data. If you’re working in the web design industry take the survey!
Popularity: 4% [?]
I just read an article over at macnn that describes a patent that enables the use of an iPhone as a remote.
Apple has filed for a patent titled “Techniques for pairing remote controllers with host devices” that mentions using a “mobile phone” to serve as a remote controller for a Mac computer.
Although this is only for use with a Macintosh computer, the future implications are astounding. I was immediately reminded of a conversation I had with my friend Poz back in 2004. I was frustrated that my cellphone couldn’t interface with any other electronic devices. Think about it, the cell phone could be the Ultimate Universal Remote. The only thing required for convergence of electronic devices would be some sort of standardization across the industry. Call me a dreamer, but I imagine a product that can interface with the smorgasboard of digital devices to my hearts content. I think that product has arrived, and it is made by Apple (the only company that could get it right).
Here’s an extremely short list of possible uses for an iPhone that will play nice with the electronic devices around it.
The reason why the iPhone will be The Ultimate Convergence Device is simple. The iPhone will have a flexible UI for interaction. The interface will be malleable for any application; you would only have to program a widget. Want to unlock your car? Fire up your Honda widget! Of course I expect Apple’s shunting of 3rd party software developers to loosen over time to make all of this realistic. Of course, when you’re talking about things like unlocking car doors or gaining access to your home - biometrics are necessary for security purposes.
These changes will happen, it’s just a matter of when. I mean, the iPhone has already assimilated a functional iPod. I wonder how long it will take, but all of the elements seem to be falling into place. What type of use do you foresee in the future for The Ultimate Convergence Device?
Read on » Apple patent points to iPhone as remote
Popularity: 6% [?]
Kyle Bradshaw has some direction. He spends an inordinate amount of time on his computer. He is passionate about the web, design, and usability.
Currently, he is working as a Web Developer in Boston, MA.
Who am I? »
You are currently browsing the somedirection weblog archives for April, 2007.
