Microsoft went back to basics with its latest phone that will reportedly cost less than £20. We’re talking 2G, but with a 35day battery life! …ah remember the days?
In other news, Verizon phone masts may help NASA to monitor and track drones across the US. Also, the Apple watch has seen its first customer fined for using the device whilst driving. First World problems abound!
Elsewhere, phone battery problems may be a thing of the past as scientists and start-ups have been conjuring up innovative ideas to charge phones without having to plug them in. In fact, much like a kinetic watch, there may soon be a way to charge your mobile by going for a stroll. In the same vein, new official guidance warns against prolonged sedentary behaviour in the workplace – suggesting we might recharge our own batteries with a walkabout every once in a while too.
In other news:
- In 2020, 70% of the world’s population will be using a smartphone with subscriptions doubling to 6.1 billion. Our own VNI report already shows this year we will see 5.3 million global mobile users, up from 4.3 billion in 2014. Internet growth is booming and smartphones will play a big role in driving that growth.
- Chinese technology firm, Xioami, has become the world’s second largest wearables maker in less than a year! Its latest release, the fitness tracker Mi Band, sold a hefty 2.8 million units in the first quarter of this year just trailing behind FitBit, which currently dominates line with the marker by 34.2%.
That’s it from me this week – but don’t forget to let me know what you think of this week’s mobility roundup. Could you go back to a 2G phone? Is the Applewatch a watch or phone? Let me know by leaving a comment here or by tweeting @GrahamFranklin or @CiscoUKI. See you next week!
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