As smartphones have evolved from bulky “bricks” to sleek, flat, and shiny panels, technology enthusiasts are speculating what the next ten years will bring. According to experts, the future of smartphones is a fascinating landscape where they might disappear, be replaced by other devices, or become simpler to assemble and repair. In this article, we delve into the predictions of leading tech specialists and explore what the future may hold for smartphones.
The Next Evolution of Displays
Tony Fadell, director of Build Collective, is optimistic about the future of smartphone displays. According to him, the image quality will be brighter and more vivid, thanks to the advent of new types of displays. However, with high pixel density, he wonders, “What else can be hidden under the display?”.
Furthermore, Fadell believes that the connection between pixels (image), processor, and graphics cores will be entirely encrypted. This means that it will be possible to determine the authenticity of recorded videos or photos, making it easier to spot deepfakes.
The Rise of Multifunctional Headsets
With the trend of increasing computing power, headsets will become multifunctional, according to Fadell. Users will no longer have to scroll or type on a touchscreen. Instead, they will be able to give voice commands and view the results on the screen, such as typed text, recorded voice messages, or videos.
Peripheral Devices Take Center Stage
Aya Bdeir, founder of the startup LittleBits, thinks that smartphones may “disappear” or rather “dissolve.” This means that smartphones could be replaced by other devices such as smartwatches, smart glasses, headphones, and smart bracelets. The peripheral devices will become more important than the smartphone itself.
Smartphones Will Become More Ethical
Erica Hall, co-founder of Mule Design, believes that smartphones will become more like cars. They will fit seamlessly into our lives, making them more comfortable. Our lives revolve around cars, but have they become more people-oriented or “ethical” in 100 years? No. They just became less dangerous for passengers. Similarly, at some point, smartphones will become vestigial, and functions will help identify AI-generated content.
Simple Design and User Repairability
Kyle Wiens, co-founder and CEO of iFixit, hopes that in the future, any user will be able to repair their smartphone independently, without the help of specialists. This suggests that the architecture of the phone will be as simple as possible. The device will have a modular design, allowing the screen, chip, battery, and camera to be replaced easily.
Conclusion
The future of smartphones is a fascinating and evolving landscape. As predicted by experts, they might disappear, be replaced by other devices, or become simpler to assemble and repair. Regardless of what happens, one thing is for sure: technology will continue to advance and shape our lives in new ways. The rise of peripheral devices, multifunctional headsets, and ethical smartphones will revolutionize the way we interact with our digital world. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for the exciting ride.
