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Announcement: Portable Intelligence Becomes Portable Electronic Devices Explorer's Portable Intelligence technology area has become Portable Electronic Devices in order to reflect better the scope of the Technology Map. The November 2007 Viewpoints was the last for Portable Intelligence. (Portable Electronic Devices Viewpoints began with the December 2007/January 2008 issue.) A new Portable Electronic Devices Technology Map is now available, and client access to Portable Electronic Devices will continue through the Portable Intelligence subscription. Please see the December 2007/January 2008 Portable Electronic Devices Viewpoints for additional information about this change. Viewpoints About This Technology (October 2006) Portable-intelligence users are increasingly using their devices for wireless-connected computing, personal-information management, entertainment, and remote data networking. The industry comprises vendors of a wide variety of PI devices, including developers of handheld and wearable computers, personal organizers, and smart phones, as well as operating-system developers. Integration of wireless-data–network capabilities, location technology, wireless-LAN and Bluetooth interfaces, and an explosion of applications for connected PI users are key enablers of the PI market. The rapid evolution of and improvements in portable-intelligence technology has enabled PI terminals to incorporate faster processors, increased memory, and wireless-LAN capability and to interface with voice and data services. Portable-intelligence vendors have been able to cram more features, functions, and applications into enterprise and personal handheld devices. Handheld-computing devices are entering the market with integrated technology improvements and performing a variety of roles, operating as cell phones, Web browsers, e-mail messengers, media players, digital cameras, navigators, and personal organizers. As the computing power of handheld PDAs and HPCs has continued to increase, several wireless-data–enabled technologies—including 802.11, Bluetooth, and various 2.5G, 2.75G, and 3G upgrades to cellular-carrier networks—have emerged to offer business and personal portable-intelligence users access to Internet-based and personal-management information while on the move. But even as wireless-enabled handheld platforms and network choices proliferate, the needs of true portability will ultimately demand devices that can access not just one but several networks. Thus, PI vendors and manufacturers are developing devices with embedded chip sets that can either enable multinetwork access or provide additional memory and functionality. Software developers and service-application providers are developing middleware to enable smooth network interfaces and access. Applications providers continue to develop robust, beneficial, and attractive content. Wireless integration in PI devices can now provide constant connectivity, whether a device interfaces with an 802.11 wireless local-area network, a carrier next-generation cellular network, or a corporate intranet at the office. Formidable barriers remain to successful widespread commercialization of HPC devices and smart phones, including high power consumption, awkward interfaces, and security issues. Today consumers demand greater reliability and increased functionality for their mobile cellular handsets and handheld organizers. Moderate prices for handheld PI devices with attractive wireless and personal-information features help drive sales growth. The PI market is increasingly focusing on integrated devices with improved wireless-network technology and advances in computer processing power that enable new compelling functions for location and Internet access. Enterprise software and middleware applications for use by the expanding mobile workforce and a growing need for access to corporate networked data will also stimulate businesses' demand for portable-intelligence devices. |
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