Cell Phones of the Future and What They Mean For Your Monthly Bills
Cell phones have gone from simple call devices to pocket computers, and the next wave of flexible screens, augmented reality, and data-only plans is coming. Here's what those advancements could mean for your monthly bill.
1 Where Cell Phones Are Headed
Cell phones are everywhere. It seems as if nearly everyone is connected—almost addicted—to cell phones. Phones went from simple devices that allowed you to make a call to friends, family, or your boss, all the way to devices that allowed you to send text messages, check your email, surf the web, play games, and so much more. Oh, they still happen to include the ability to call—if you still make calls. This progression clearly demonstrates that cell phones have become an integral part of our daily lives, both personal and professional. So where might the future take us?
We may actually be able to look at science fiction movies for inspiration—after all, Star Trek had tablet computers and small communication devices before we had our tablets and Bluetooth headsets. So, with that logic, it is only a matter of time before holograms and the like become commonplace in our society similar to the attempt made by Google (Google Glass)—right?
While that form may be far in our future, there are a number of interesting advancements in cell phones that experts have predicted will come, and many believe are actually well within our reach. But of course, as cool as these advancements may be, they are sure to have an impact on everyone’s cell phone bill.
2 Flexibility: Bend, Fold, Shape
The design of our phones has progressed over the years, so it makes sense that we can expect new and designs in our future. The changes that we can expect, however, are actually starting now. Nokia is actually developing a new concept for smartphones—what they are calling. This concept smartphone embodies all of the elements related to flexibility that we can expect to see filtered throughout our future phones. The Nokia Morph, they say, will be fully bendable and as such can even adapt to your hand or as a bracelet—you name it. Are you worried about the display cracking if you leave it in your pocket? You shouldn’t, because the display will adapt there as well.
In essence, smartphones of the future will be much more flexible, and you will be able to change their shape, according to Computer World, among others: “Imagine transforming your phone from a wristwatch/bracelet style to a touch screen style with a full QWERTY keyboard, and then folding it again to slip it into your pocket.” One of the most common predictions of this is the concept of dual screens for phones. Flexibility comes into play here through the ability to fold your phone in half.
Phones will also offer flexibility through their size. Just as they have in the past, phones are likely to get even smaller, but many say not to expect any near-invisible phones. Additionally, the majority agree that phone displays will not exceed an estimate of around 4.3 inches (or thereabout), because no one really wants to carry a tablet computer in their pockets.
3 Augmented Reality
No doubt you have heard of Google Glass. Well, the future of our cellphones may truly be headed in a similar direction with augmented reality. At present, this idea can be considered limited in scope, but in the future it will become widespread and eventually an industry standard.
Specifically, the GPS of the future in your phone can expect to not only become more accurate in its positioning (it may give you your location within a building!), and offering real-time results about weather/traffic in short, its going to be much more than offering you driving directions.
While holograms may seem a little far-fetched at first glance, even with past evidence of science-fiction shows predicting what will come, they may be closer than you think. In fact, Ostendo Technologies is already developing a 3D screen that someone could prod and manipulate—that materializes from thin air. That sounds cool, doesn’t it?
4 Specs Inside the Phone
Your cell phone’s technology and overall capabilities are going to skyrocket. By 2020, they say phones may be able to download a high-definition movie in 30 seconds with faster browsing, and access apps from the cloud rather than storing them directly on your phone. The same article that made the previous claims also say that your phone’s camera will leap forward in quality, “3D technology using wide-angle lenses and sensors will be able to map your surroundings, meaning you could actually walk around inside your photos.” This will open up a wave of nostalgia for memories that you capture this way—imagine the detail (and the cost)!
5 But What About Cell Phone Plans?
One of the biggest predictions for the future of cell phones includes the notion that every task will become data—this includes your calling minutes. Instead of having a monthly allotment of 300 minutes that you can use to call someone at any time without paying an extra fee, you will need extra data. How will this extra data affect your plan?
At present, the average user will use around 2 or 3GB of data each month for web browsing, checking emails, and maybe watching some videos. With the change to data rather than minutes (or an allotment of text messages), chances are good that the average user would not have enough data in their current plan to actually do everything. Thus, many users will be forced to upgrade their plans and face higher prices.
Additionally, the major claim that service providers make to justify higher prices on cell phone bills is that their consumers are essentially “chomping” through large amounts of data—this provides clear proof that everyone can expect their cell phone bills to get more expensive if minutes will become data. Data only cell phones, if they do occur, will happen without user consent—everyone with a cell phone will face even higher leaps in prices than they are now.
Service providers are notoriously stubborn when it comes to the prices they set for their plans, particularly when it comes to included data in cell phone plans. With the rising prices that many can expect to see—whether it’s through technological advancements or a switch to data-only—negotiation will be the key to saving hard-earned money in the coming years.
This is where Billshark can help you! We are a team of shark negotiators with the professional skills needed to get you the savings that all of us deserve. The best part? You don’t pay us a cent if we don’t cut down your bills! We simply split the first year’s savings with you when we cut down your bill, and that’s it! Save yourself some time and money. Get in touch with us today.
