Spotlight: On the Move
What will shape our mobile lifestyle in 2005
| Phenom | What it is | Our take |
|---|---|---|
| 59. The last email refuge disappears | Workaholic flyers get their wish, thanks to onboard email. Both Boeing and Airbus are building systems into planes. Expect 10% of flights to be Outlook-friendly in 2005. | Ugh, if we want to sleep. Hooray, if it's the only time we can get through our inbox without distractions. |
| 60. Trip Hawkins founder, Digital Chocolate | The Electronic Arts founder returns with a company that will set the standard for easy-to-use, smart cell-phone programs. Expect to see stuff you can create and share with friends — think virtual gardens — and problem solvers such as digital child pacifiers. | Hawkins articulates the ethos of the cell-phone lifestyle better than anyone. But he may stumble trying to persuade cautious, plodding carriers to join him. |
| 61. Ringtones die | Feeble, unrecognizable renditions of pop tunes announcing incoming calls fade out in favor of MP3-quality songs. One-third of all cell phones will have MP3 tech by the end of next year. | Will 50 Cent, Ashlee Simpson, and Linkin Park sound better, or will we long for the golden age of the monophonic chip? |
| 62. MoSoSo | Think Friendster meets Vindigo. Mobile social software connects people through wireless phones using location-based services. Examples include Wavemarket and Dodgeball. | Getting relevant info, especially from friends based on where you are, is a cool trend. And it creates ad opportunities. Which could, of course, kill it. |
A version of this article appeared in the November 2004 issue of Fast Company magazine.
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