The Current State of the Art in Mobile Computing - Essay Example

The Current of The Art in Mobile Computing Computing is steadily moving to the edge of the network enabling peopleand organizations to enjoy and express themselves in numerous unprecedented ways. With improved mobility in computing, professionals and enterprises are assured of increased product and services quality as well as reliable productivity. According to Masco et al (17), mobile computing involves human-computer interaction in which a computer is able to be transported and used from whatever location the operator moves. Mobile computing encompasses mobile communication, mobile hardware, and mobile software, however, every mobile application has specific mobile software that defines its characteristics and requirements depending on the data processing need at hand. Generally, with the availability of the Internet, intranet or any other respective communication links, mobile devices enable a user to take a computer and all crucial files, folders, and software out into the field and to work as if he/she were in the office (Masco et al, 17). Mobile computing relies on the principle of mobile voice communication whose technology has been recently extended to include the ability for one to send and receive data across cellular networks. A number of hardware that support mobile computing are available and include mobile devices and device components like Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), Smartphone, tablet computers, ultra-mobile PCs, and wearable computers to name but a few (Mascolo et al, 19). With these devices, there is efficiency in communication and for business people who are constantly on the move, the concept of mobile computing serves to solve the problem of mobility through the transmission of data from remote locations. The dominant technology in the mobile data communication market today that enables mobile computing is the Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD), though; a number of alternative technologies are available such as the Circuit Switched Cellular, Specialized Mobile Radio, and Wireless Data Networks. The basic principle of the CDPD technology is the usage of idle time that is available in between existing signals sent across the cellular networks. This technology usually comes with the advantage of low cost of data transmission since the idle time is not chargeable. Fixed users are provided with a fixed physical link to the CDPD network allowing them to connect to the network while mobile users connect to the network using a packet-switched system. In case the CDPD facilities do not exist, this technology utilizes the concept of Circuit Switched CDPD (CS-CDPD) that serves to enable a mobile end-user to connect to existing switched networks and for them to be able to transmit data through these networks (Mascolo et al, 23). As at current time, the field of mobile computing approaches an era that will be comprised of a variety of greater and smarter applications, a random improvement in usability of the mobile devices, and networking whose speed can only be compared to the speed of light. The introduction of Apple’s 3G iPhone and the Google-led Android are some of the few examples in these mobile computing developments. Some of the areas that have experienced the effect of this rapid advancement in mobile technology and mobile applications/services are in: 3G Networks Apart from the numerous device and applications that have emerged in the mobile computing market, the arrival of 3G networks have also led to the increase in the speed of devices that support mobile computing. This network technology has led to an improvement in the speed of data transmission from the once slower 2.5G (Edge) network. This is the network speed that is usually consistent with most Android and iPhones devices and their inclusion in these devices has led to massive sales of the devices. The 3G networks not only enable quicker access to services like browsing the Web, but also support more advanced services like high-quality video streaming and support for online educational services (Mascolo et al, 19). Ubiquitous, improved speed of access to the Internet using 3G networks is today common in industrialized countries due to the falling prices of this network. This has significantly influenced the availability and exposure of information on available employment opportunities and has reduced the cost of conducting company meetings through the use of video conferencing. Long Term Evolution This network technology is what is currently considered as the 4G network that is even faster and more reliable than the 3G network as it sends data as IP packets. This network increases the speed and capability of data transmission by incorporating a different radio interface and diverse core improvements. This network technology is particularly important to industries and corporate users as it allows them to run their business applications on their devices simultaneously with the Voice over IP (VoIP) 4G Networks capabilities. With this technology, there is absolutely no need for dependency on the legacy Circuit Switch voice network for its users to maintain it. Since this network system encompasses the capabilities of a 4G internet network, in addition to the usual voice and other amazing services of the 3G network system, this network additionally provide mobile ultra-broadband access to the Internet especially to laptops that use USB wireless modems, to Smartphone, and to other mobile computing devices. WiMax technology This is a network protocol that is designed to operate at long distances and to provide reliable connectivity which is much essential for applications such as live video streaming. This technology can be used to provide a wireless alterative to cable and digital subscriber line (DSL) for access of broadband services on locations that are much far apart. This technology is very useful in the mobile computing field as it can be utilized to provide reliable and stable mobile Internet access across cities or countries. This capability has led to a lot of completion in the markets which typically had access only through an existing incumbent DSL or a related operator. In addition, given the fact that there are relatively low costs associated with the deployment of a WiMax network, as compared to either 3G or 4G networks, it is now quite economical to use WiMax network systems in providing last-mile broadband Internet access in remote areas (Mascolo et al, 23). Security and Privacy in Mobile Computing Mobile security is a crucial concern to mobile computing as it relates to the personal or business information and data that may be stored on mobile computing devices and hardware such as Smartphone, mobile computers, and other mobile devices. A number of measures have been come up with to tackle this security issue but the measures depend on the type of the device that is used by the individual. For devices that rely on operating systems, the concept of sandboxing is used to compartmentalize different processes and preventing them from interacting and damaging each other in case the Smartphone or mobile computer is attacked by a malicious program. Security software that encompasses components like antivirus programs and firewalls, visual notifications, Turing tests, and biometric identifications has also been introduced into curb issues of security in the mobile computing devices. This security software generally protect the devices by strengthening various vulnerabilities like prevention of malware, curbing intrusions, identifying a user as a human, and ensuring user authentication (Mascolo et al, 22). Geographical Positioning System (GPS) The use of GPS systems has seen a tremendous increase since its introduction in the field of mobile computing. GPS enabled mobile gadgets are very crucial to companies and organizations as they enable the organizations/companies to identify the end users by their whereabouts, and also to analyze route optimization for delivery workers and service technicians. Mobile computing has recently seen the inclusion of GPS in a number of 3G –enabled devices such as PDAs, iPhone, and Android phones, and even in Windows Smartphone. The manufacture of these devices has also gone further to come up with the capability of using GPS to enhance social networking in the devices. For instance, a number of GPS devices including Nearby, WhosHere, and Whrrl allow users to locate places, friends, or hotels that are nearby and to be able to have a look at information on local sites (Mascolo et al, 19). Push Button Application This is a recent trend in mobile computing that involves using mobile devices or Smartphone to analyze a situation just like an expert would do. For instance, considering a situation in which a truck disposing wastes arrives at the disposal site and is unable to empty a dumpster because of a vehicle that is blocking its path. If the driver possess a mobile device or Smartphone that has a push-button application, it is possible to take a photograph of the blocking vehicle and route the photograph to a dispatcher. The dispatcher’s role will then be to file and time-stamp the obstruction hence making it easy for the truck to pass. Hence, mobile computing has then made it possible for various organizations to see information in a different perspective, with the need for a faster access to visually intuitive apps and data (Mascolo et al, 19). Additionally, large amounts of data , with a consideration to the emerging ability to make a sense of vast sums of data posed by mobile computing, is constantly reversing the way in which people find what is important in the information in order to make wiser decisions. The Future of Mobile Computing The field of mobile computing is filled with rapid technological advancements and the development of lighter, smarter and faster mobile devices. Smartphone such as iPhones and Android phones have crowded the market of computing with the inclusion of faster Internet access systems such as 3G and 4G network systems. This mobile technology makes it easy for people to easily access the internet from wherever one is located. There has been tremendous advancement in the field of Artificial Intelligence, Integrated Circuitry, and a general increase in Computer Processor speeds. As the mobile computing experts and professionals continue to put more emphasis on the on increased reliability, speed and reduced cost of mobile computing devices, the future designs of mobile devices and gadgets will see the introduction of very small mobile computers. Apart from the existing small computer devices, more research in this field is likely to come up with supper fast mobile computers that include all the functionality of the current devices in the size of a hand-held organizer or even tinier sizes. In Artificial Intelligence, rapid advancements will lead to the development of more flexible and wiser mobile units (robots). The networking systems used to create these mobile units could be advanced to enable remote monitoring and control of these mobile units and increase their efficiency in the work place. Mobile units that mimic the normal operations and behavior are likely to emerge. For instance, a mobile unit designed through Artificial Intelligence, may be able to operate as a personal secretary to a manager with the capability to send and receive emails and paging messages, be able to decipher what they are, and change the personal schedule of the manager depending on the received instruction/message (Mascolo et al, 22). Further, advancements in mobile computing are likely to make it possible for people to work from home and exclude the concept of having to build an office for any company. The elimination of commuting to the workplace is generally beneficial to the environment as less transportation in automobiles will be used and reduce the emission of polluting gases to the atmosphere. Also considering the social sphere, people also utilize this mobility from mobile computing to interact at eve lower costs from mobile stations and even livelier chat forums with more advanced capabilities than the ones currently used by the popular chart applications today. Current available technologies like Interactive television and Video image compression are already using the concept of mobility in the home, as is evidenced in cases like doing home shopping. It is evidently possible that if this mobility is further enhanced by the mobile data communication technologies, most devices will become more lively and with immeasurable mobility. Supplemental Broadband Finally, according to Mascolo et al ( 23) in the process of carriers applying LTE and WiMax network systems, it is reported that other companies like the Sprint and Verizon are focusing on the extension of their wireless broadband capabilities. This is done by incorporating small businesses that have neither fiber optic nor copper connections installed on the group. It is predicted that under this scenario, any other small packaging company in New Jersey is able to receive T-1 broadband capabilities in areas that do not have wireless broadband connection. In-Vehicle computing and fleet computing Ruggedized portable computer computers are currently deployed with fleet of vehicles typical of commercial and government field forces. Thus, it is normally a necessity to anchor units that have mobile computing support to these vehicles in order to ensure that driver safety, device security, and ergonomics are catered for. Rugged computers are very useful in this field due to the fact that they are rated for the harsh vibrations that are associated with large service vehicles and off-road driving (Mascolo et al, 19). A number of mobile computing companies like the First Mobile Technologies and the National Products Inc (Ram Mounts) have come up with mounts that are built for vehicle mounting of computer equipments for a wide range of vehicles. This mounts are built in such a manner that they are able to withstand the harsh conditions and maintain ergonomics. Conclusion Mobile computing is an important area of electrical engineering and computer science that lead to the development of devices crucial for challenging patterns and creating new consumer and business ideas. Mobile computing creates opportunities for employees and employers to easily monitor current operations and to be able to predict the behavior of the business at a given period of time. With the increase in the number of devices that support mobile computing technology, there is an increasing need to impose and ensure security since mobile computing devices usually store tremendous amount of data and storage capacities are increasing with the continued shrinking of circuits and advancement in Standard State Drive (SSD) technologies. However, increase in security will lead to the reliance in the devices of mobile computing since there is an increase in quality of life and productivity when they are used depending on the specific needs of a particular processing activity. Work Cited Cecilia Mascolo, Eric Paulos, John Canny, "The Current Trends and Developments in Mobile Computing [Guest editors introduction]," IEEE Mobile Computing, vol. 17, no. 6, pp. 17, 19, 22-23, March.-August. 2013, doi:10.1209/MPRV.2014.32 Read More