Furthermore, in recent years we have seen a large percentage of the population connected via a mobile device – notice that I didn’t refer to the mobile device as a mobile phone?
I recall a statistic that was released by the U.N. back in 2013 on the eve of World Water Day. Out of the world’s estimated population of 7 billion people, 6 billion people have access to mobile phone. To put this in perspective, more people have access to a mobile phone worldwide than toilets.
After several failed attempts, we all remember PDAs (personal digital assistants) in the early 00s, the smart phone really took a foot hold by 2013. With their innovative touch screens that saw the demise of the old qwerty type keyboards found on Blackberrys.
In 2016 we now know that the smart phone or mobile device is the hub for connected platforms that all relate back to you. Google predicts that rather than referring to the web as the ‘Internet of Things’ it will and it has evolved into becoming the ‘Internet of Me’.
Optimising all of our interconnected platforms allows everybody to tailor this technology to simplify their life. We are relying on this type of technology more and more every day.
We can’t refer to these as just a mobile phone anymore as they do way more than make and receive phone calls remotely. Here are some of the additional functions that we use a mobile device for on a daily basis.
Mobile devices have become the remote control for our lives.
Remember too that if your mobile device can’t fulfil a need and perform a function in basic form there are thousands of apps available that are capable of providing solutions to your needs
Furthermore, along the subject of time, the calendar on my mobile is a critical tool for scheduling tasks and my time management. Not only do my colleagues have access to my schedule but I even encourage clients to book meetings straight into my schedule.
Is a product offered by electrical supply company Clipsal, that provides home automation to control your domestic electrical appliances. The possibilities are endless for enhanced home safety, security and energy efficiency. This readily available technology has changed the live’s of the elderly and disabled
I visited a Tesla dealership in Martin Place, Sydney recently and was blown away by the features of the whole car to be honest. The connectivity of the car was as enhanced as it could be. Being an electric powered vehicle it made sense that it was connected to the internet
The dashboard was basically a computer that performed every web based function that you would find beneficial in a car.
The technology is now available where as you approach your car the door unlocks to allow entry.
You can start the car without a key and several personally individual presets within the vehicle will automatically adjust i.e. radio station, mirror position, seat position and adjustment etc.
The car can predict your destination from your calendar within your mobile phone.
The car can devise the best route and provide directions to your destination.
If you input to the car that you are hungry and want to eat on your way to your destination it can suggest some best options that align with your journey and even provide customer reviews of the restaurant to assist in your choice.
Add in the concept that some vehicles offer automated reverse parking functionality and driverless car technology is at it’s precipice.
I was talking to a marketing manager named Frank recently whose role is based in Boston but he was in Sydney to present at a function we were both at. I asked him to give me some insight into the progression of connectivity and I found his response thought provoking.
His first comment was that he didn’t understand the need for a phone number in today’s society…huh?
He went to explain that to stay in contact with his wife and young family whilst he travels the globe for his job, that if he phones home he has to navigate the arduous task of dialling with the correct exit codes.
These are also referred to as international access codes and international direct dialling (IDD). He went on to explain that there are far better options available for him to communicate with his wife such as Skype.
To use Skype, you utilise your existing online identity that you generally set up within your email and social media accounts. Typically, your identity is an avatar and username ‘icon’ that you just click to make the Skype call. There is no reason to dial a number as such.
I found this insight relatively simple but thought provoking.
It is easy to identify that this way of thinking is the future. Even payments can be made from your phone now that is virtually a digital wallet. The banks have teamed up to form a relationship with Apple Pay. The benefits outweigh the ease of payment in a purchase. Consider the potential for public transport fares, airlines, ticketing, store loyalty and rewards programs and that is just the start.
Being in the online marketing industry we are a Google Partner and are in the front seat in regard to the goals of Google and their progression.
Historically Google is used as a search engine and they are quite forward thinking in their goal of predictive search. Google can analyse a user’s browsing history, location and demographic to predict what a user is searching for – perhaps best described as personalising the search function for an individual.