Phone 3.0?

Just like how in class we were introduced to Web 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0, I vaguely remembered seeing on the news about a new innovation that Nokia was working on. If things go well, this would probably be the future of our communications devices. So check out what our near future could bring below!



Nanotechnology can sometimes be referred to as nanotech which is the study of manipulating matter on a atomic and molecular scale. The video shown above shows revolutionary leaps being explored by Nokia Research Center(NRC) in collaboration with the Cambridge Nanoscience Centre (United Kingdom).

There are basically a few morph concept technologies that might create opportunities for mobile devices:

1. Newly-enabled flexible and transparent materials blend more seamlessly with the way we live.

2. Devices become self cleaning and self preserving.

3. Transparent electronics offering an entirely new aesthetic dimension

4. Built-in solar absorption might charge a device, whilst batteries become smaller, longer lasting and faster to charge.

5. Integrated sensors might allow us to learn more about the environment around us, empowering us to make better choices.

Just the thought of this gets me excited because of the endless possibilities it entails. In class, Mr Choy asked us to give a few limitations about the current mobile phone and the few examples like signal, battery life were brought up.

After looking at the video and doing some research, it seems to address some of our existing problems and also set the stage for a more convenient and user friendly mobile phone. It would be amazing to be able to hold a multi device in one that is able to change its shape and size to perform different functions, never needing to worry about dirtying your phone due to the dirt repelling nanostructured surfaces called "Nanoflowers", allowing your phone to recharge by solar power with the help of "Nanograss" structures on the surface of the phone and examine the environment around us from analyzing air pollution, to gaining insight into bio-chemical traces and processes.

Just imagine something as common as a phone being able to perform all those functions! I guess in the near future these would just become as "normal" as the mobile phones we have now. Only time will tell if these things would really materialize but the fact that it has been dreamt hints at the possibility that it might just appear in the palm of our hands in the near future! :)