As far as the 2010s might have brought us in terms of setting up mobile technological developments, the 2020s is where this hard work gets to shine. With the stage now set for some impressive steps forward in the mobile space, 2020 has revealed key components of what is yet to come. Focussing on three growing mobile trends, we want to explore what made them such hits, where they might fall short, and what part they could hold in the world of tomorrow.
5G Connectivity
The next logical step in mobile connectivity, 5G promises to bring the potential of existing systems to new heights. This is accomplished through three avenues: higher bandwidth, lower latency, and more simultaneous connections per tower. When operating correctly, these functions mean that your entire mobile internet experience will be much more convenient and with fewer instances of slow-down.
The issues here are twofold, relating to both physics and use-cases. In terms of physics, the shorter wavelengths used by 5G signals mean they don’t travel as far as older 4G signals, nor can they penetrate buildings as well. While the distance problem can be solved via the installation of new towers, penetration is a problem that, so far, seems unsolvable. For this reason, expect 5G to operate alongside 4G, so all bases are covered.
For use-cases, the current concern is that few people will require what 5G offers. Take a typical example like playing blackjack online. Whether you’re browsing these websites or collecting free bonuses on games.netent.com, 4G and even 3G can manage without issue. This extends to the games like Happy Panda and Cash Noire, where very few will need 5G’s power.
So, why bother with 5G? At this point, it’s as much about future-proofing as anything else. Connection requirements today are massively larger than they were ten years ago, and this pattern is expected to continue. With 5G, we’ll be ready for what comes next.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Long the domain of science-fiction, AR, and VR through mobiles are finally finding their time in the spotlight. While the early versions of this technology appeared in the latter half of the 2010s, only today is mobile power measuring up to the task. This tech is extremely demanding, in simple terms, with new mobiles finally catching up to what used to be confined to PCs and consoles.
The big limits for mobile virtual and augmented reality come down to the will of the developers. Initially, involvement in these systems was high, but once the limits of the time were known, interest faded. In many cases, companies didn’t have enough wriggle room to do these systems justice, and by investing too early they might have unintentionally written the technologies off.
In 2020 and beyond, this arm of the industry has both the public interest and the processor capabilities to accomplish its lofty goals. Games like Nightfall AR and Spirit Camera accomplish this on the AR front, now reaching a level of fame formerly confined to more traditional games. For VR, adapters like the BNext 3D VR and Destek V5 are cheaper than ever, making getting involved in VR systems a breeze.
Folding Phones
Originating in 2019, users were initially cautious about what folding phones like the Galaxy Fold could offer. The idea was simple, in that by folding outward like the flip-devices of old, a user could effectively double their screen space. But what of the hinge, people asked – could it really stand up to that much punishment? While early test models had issues, the ultimate answer was a resounding yes.
Like with the other technologies on this list, the biggest problem with folding devices is usually tied to their lack of support. While there are some apps, and especially games, that take advantage of what they have to offer, some of the more desirable programs are still playing catchup. A big reason people bought folding phones was to make the mobile experience more engaging for media and work, and since it took some time to find footing, early adopters were left wanting.
With the second generation of folding phones having launched with the Galaxy Z Fold 2, the folding environment is better than ever. The screens are better, the processors are more powerful, and, most important of all, the number of apps supported continues to grow. In the coming decade, this is likely to have many positive effects, potentially the most important of which is the ability to function as a secondary work device.
Though predicting tech trends can be difficult due to unforeseen alternatives or developments, the above three systems are practically guaranteed to be bit hits in the coming years. Whether through allowing better connectivity, generating new VR and AR experiences, or creating more impressive and viable gaming and work machines, the future looks bright. The only real question is whether or not you want to get involved now or wait for lower prices somewhere down the line.
