Next Generation Mobile Computing - Coursework Example

Computer sciences and information technology: Next generation mobile computing Next generation mobile computing Mobile computing basically comprises of using computer devices that are hand-held and with the capacity of wireless broadband network access making use of battery power as well as being able to operate in a disengaged fashion whenever there is no available network connectivity. Nevertheless, the description above can be widened to comprise of other types of devices like PDAs, mobile phones as well as tablet technology together with other usage situations, with the definition further encapsulating the more traditionally commercial aspects of mobile computing. It is important to note that mobile computing is not entirely a field that is new. Computer terminals that are portable have been used in different business domains over the past 20 years in either disconnected or connected fashion (Kato, 2012). When it comes to the connected world, utilization of remote access terminals has been employed in such aspects as delivery of package, terminals for dispatching taxis as well as those of remote police car. The disconnected world on the hand has remote terminals that have been utilized in stocking and inventory applications to assemble data. Consequently, the remotely assembled data is then transported to central data bases via communication links that are fixed. Whereas mobile computing concept is well founded, industry has in recent times evolved to the level where the technologies involved have become satisfactorily powerful and economical, currently making mobile computing ubiquitous .Consequently this is confirmed by mobile computing consumerization via such form factors as smartphones, netbooks and tablets. There are numerous synergistic technology enhancements that have fuelled the fast developments of mobile computing; First and foremost is the Central Processing Unit (CPU) development that is offering powerful computational capabilities having low power consumption. Secondly is the memory technology which is facilitating practical building of devices having bigger memory capabilities in logical power consumption features. Thirdly are screen technology developments that are providing high resolution as well as brilliant color screens. Fourthly is the touch-screen interface technological advancement which is eliminating the requirement for separate keyboards. The fifth enhancement is wireless network bandwidth which is turning out to be ubiquitous and is offering better and powerful data transfer rates at affordable costs. The final enhancement is battery technology which is providing helpful power reserves while needing small amounts of room. Although developments in hardware have offered more advanced devices at reduced prices, the tendencies towards computing that is web-based have offered standardized equipments as well as methods for encoding the new generation mobile gadgets such as; Open communication protocol for instance HTTP and TCP/IP, Techniques for multimedia data forms(video and audio) presentation together with the more conservative forms-based data kinds, Decoupling of the user gadget from server resources in a fashion that is standardized The combining of developments in hardware technology coming together with the present developments in web-based computing has resulted in price reduction, hence raising mobile computing paradigms accessibility. Pervasive and ubiquitous, mobile computing has permeated every aspect of our lives .We not only make use of mobile computing while interacting with smartphones, especially when connecting with family and friends across countries and states, but also whenever we make use of ticketing systems be it on a train, bus, home or work, buying food from the mobile vendor selling their ware on parks, watching videos as well as listening to music on our portable music players and phones. Consequently, any given computation system which is anticipated to move as well as interact with final users of other given computational systems in spite of the possible changes in network connectivity –comprising connectivity loss or other changes in connectivity type or point of access –takes part in mobile computing infrastructure with the amount of such systems as those projected to grow considerably every year over the coming years (Bartz, 2015). Majority of such systems as these in urban places capitalize on strong networking infrastructure, high speed relays, gigabit bandwidth backbones, unlimited power as well as recharging capabilities. Nevertheless, several of such systems function in a degraded network, power, computing environment for instance first-responders in case of a disaster, users of mobile phones in remote areas or in nations having degraded communication infrastructure or in case of millions of persons watching a major sporting event thus crushing the local networking infrastructure within a main metropolitan area. Therefore, in every one of the above scenarios, the needs and desires of the mobile computing clients are most likely to outperform the capabilities of the infrastructure supporting, leading to a degraded or poor performance to the extent that no clients get meaningful service (Bartz, 2015). Apart from these present day mobile computing use-cases, governments and businesses are experiencing new challenges that spill over to mobile platforms that are emerging or linking existing platforms with environments for mobile computing. For instance, the rise of affordable remote-controlled aircraft (such as commercial quad copter) in the market for businesses and hobbyists has generated cases of new use as well as challenges in security and surveillance ,property surveying, car and home showcasing ,entertainment together with search and rescue activities. Use cases of remote-controlled aircraft like those are likely to function in both rural and urban environments and will experience poor communication infrastructure together with concerns over power management while at the same time maintaining in addition to esteeming quality-of-service features of information, particularly in coordinated and gaming roles in aid of search-and-rescue squads, law enforcement or any other support requirements. The rest of next generation mobile computing programs such as the DARPA F6 initiative for space fractioned satellites exhibit extreme situations(for instance space remoteness) where businesses, commercial applications and governments should function on a strong spread mobile cloud infrastructure which operates as well as implements security between application layers in spite of power and line-of-sight management issues in addition to rivalry between data sources, priority-differentiated applications as well as system users. Such new systems as these augment and complement existing technologies, computing infrastructure together with practices with new techniques of mobile computing and user interaction in spite of possible connectivity, computing and power challenges. Consequently, in all of the above scenarios, modifications in hardware may assist in increasing the effectiveness of mobile computing under several conditions; however software that controls management, scheduling, as well as a wide range of other features that are essential to operating in minimized capacity environments or scenarios that are mission-critical. Such an issue as this will be important to every application developer and not only to mobile computing users or engineers since most of the issues and solutions in the mobile space can all be applied to any form of software engineering. Secondly sales of smartphones have already concealed sales of personal computers per quarter with mobile computing devices like tablets and smartphones continuing to get market dominance and thirdly it is becoming extremely hard for any infrastructure, device or service to fail to interact with mobile computing devices or infrastructure (Debashis, 2011). Future trends in mobile computing The number of persons utilizing mobile phones globally has surpassed over 5 billion and is poised to further grow. Furthermore, traffic of mobile data for instance video communication and Internet access has almost been tripling annually for the past many years. Consequently, with smartphones, sensors and cloud computing all anticipated in future to be prevalent, the traffic for mobile data will most likely experience explosive growth, something that has further raised anticipations for wireless access that is of high-speed. Traffic for mobile data is approximated to increase two hundred times in the following 5 years up and until 2020, with Long Term Evolution (LTE) also referred to as a 3.9 G wireless system attracting attention as the latest service platform capable of supporting vast quantity of mobile data traffic (Bartz, 2015). The 3G and 4G technologies may be termed as the hottest mobile computing technologies that are found currently in the market. The 3G/4G or third /fourth generation mobile telecommunications are a generation of standards for mobile telecommunication and mobile phones services satisfying the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000(IMT-2000) requirements set by the International Telecommunication Union. The most applicable services comprise of a broad-area wireless voice telephone, video calls together with mobile TV, mobile internet access, all within a mobile environment. The second trend is the Long Term Evolution (LTE) which is a standard for wireless communication of high-speed data for data terminals and mobile phones.LTE is on the basis of UMTS/HSPA together with GSM/EDGE network technologies, raising the speed and capacity of making use of latest modulation methods. This is associated with 4G or fourth Generation technology (Kato, 2012). The third trend regards GPS which is Global Positioning System and is basically a navigation system that is space-based and offers time and location information anywhere and in all weather near or on Earth, wherever line of sight that is unobstructed is to 4 or more GPS satellites. Thus, the GPS program offers important capabilities to civil, commercial and military uses all over the world. GPS, in addition is the backbone on which modernization of global weather, air traffic system as well as location services is built (Kato, 2012) The fourth trend in next generation mobile computing is Near Field Communication (NFC) which is series of standards for not only smartphones but also other similar devices used in the establishment of radio communication with one another by either holding them together or getting them into close proximity, usually a few centimeters .Anticipated and present applications comprise of data exchange, contactless transactions as well as simplified system of more complicated communications like Wi-Fi. It is also possible for communication to occur between a NFC chip that is not powered, normally known as a “tag” and an NFC device (Kato, 2012). The last future trend for this technology is WiMax which stands for (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) and is a wireless communications standard that is programmed to offer 30 -40 megabit-per-second rates of data, with the newest update offering up to 1 Gbits/s for stations that are fixed. WiMax is an aspect of a fourth Generation or 4G, of wireless communication technology. Consequently, WiMax far outshines the thirty meter wireless range of the usual Wi-Fi local area network (LAN), providing a metropolitan region network having a pointer radius of about 50 km. Moreover, WiMax provides rates of data transfer that can be better to traditional DSL and cable-modem connections, nevertheless, the bandwidth should be shared amongst numerous users and hence in practice yields low speeds (Pierre, 2010). The present day computing has grown rapidly from single location confinement and with mobile computing; individuals can now work from the calm and comfort of any place they desire as long as security and location concerns are adequately addressed. Similarly, availability of high speed connections has highly promoted mobile computing usage. Mobile computing being an emerging and ever growing technology, it will go on to be a major service as far as computing and Information Communication and Technology are concerned (Khalil & Welppi, 2012). Companies doing mobile computing Google and Apple are some of the companies doing mobile computing. Thus, mobile devices are the most widespread computing devices in several regions of the world, and it is anticipated that over the following few years, usage of Internet will surpass usage of desktop globally. Google is one company that is passionate in realizing the mobile web potential and is transforming the manner in which individuals interrelate using computing technology. In addition, Google researchers and engineers work on a broad range of issues in networking and mobile computing, comprising latest operating systems as well as programming platforms like ChromeOS and Android, latest interaction paradigms between devices and people ,sophisticated wireless communications in addition to web optimization for various mobile settings (Vandome, 2015). Moreover, several of Google’s major product teams like Gmail, Maps and Search have groups concentrating on optimization of the user mobile experience, enabling it to be more seamless and faster. Google, in addition, takes a cross-layer move in researching on networking and mobile systems spanning across applications, hardware, operating systems and networks. The remarkable extent of Google’s products as well as the Chrome and Android platforms makes Google a pace setter in mobile computing (Vandome, 2015). Apple on the other hand emphasizes on continuity philosophy, which is somewhat different from the others. Even though Apple’s products may be having varying experience and Uls, continuity exists in how they function together. In addition, Apple believes PC’s function is different from that of the tablet, and also to some extent different from that of the smartphone. Essentially, every device has a special function to play. Since the hardware is not the same, the software must capitalize on those differences (Vandome, 2015). Apple as a company has been launching mobile computing devices as well as operating system such as the iOS 7 which was unveiled in June 2013 at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference all speak volumes about mobile devices future since Apple holds the future of mobile computing devices (Bartz, 2015).This is also due to the fact that Apple retails its products in an extremely diverse as well as openly competitive marketplace in addition to maintaining minority market share as far as smartphones are concerned (Regazzi, 2014). Regulatory issues surrounding Mobile Computing Mobile devices such as the iPad and smartphones portray the growing embrace of mobile computing devices both for business and personal use. Several businesses would like to make sure that their staffs work effectively when outside their respective offices. Nevertheless, increased mobility comes along with certain legal and management issues that must be tackled. The main regulations center on protection of private information. Thus some private information possessed by organizations may result in financial harm when disclosed. The most apparent examples comprise of details of price list, customers, new products, business models and so forth. Equally important is the fact that several businesses in addition hold private information that belongs to 3rd parties under a fiduciary or contractual duty of privacy. If this information happens to be revealed, the company might be liable in damages for the loss encountered by the information owners due to the disclosure. The 1998 Data Protection Act ensures that all m organizations should ensure the security of their personal data (Reed, 2011). The other major legal issue regards driving and mobile computing devices. It is illegal in most countries for a driver to use a mobile computing device such a smartphone while driving .The risk assessment especially in UK takes into account of the fact that whether the device is hand-held or has a hands free kit. It is important to note that the risk is significantly high with devices that are hand held which is illegal anyway if it is done while one is driving (Reed, 2011). Global implications for Mobile computing Mobile computers comprising of tablets, smartphones and GPS wrist-watches are not only changing the way of computing ,but are also revolutionizing the manner in which we learn, work, create as well as collaborate in resolution of issues. Thus, with mobile computing technology spreading rapidly than any other nearest consumer technology in humankind history ,mobile devices have turned out to be one of the most significant equipments in the global problem solver’s toolkit-ranging from latest opportunities to delivering of important services to disenfranchised neighborhoods to the capacity to connect people and firms that were in the past left out from worldwide decision-making ,hence facilitating global solution networks (GSNs) to function with more legitimacy (Williams, 2013). Numerous case studies display how mobile computing technology is already transforming the manner the world reacts to global issues and how key networks are exploiting these devices to enhance outcomes. Developments in mobile computing technology in parallel with the growth of social web are essentially revolutionizing computing as we understand it. Indeed, mobile devices-comprising of GPS wristwatches, tablets and smartphones are rapidly substituting desktop computing and growing quicker than any other human consumer technology. For instance, smartphones have been outselling PCs for the past few years while touch screens are outnumbering keyboards. In economies that are emerging, the traffic for mobile internet surpasses desktop traffic; in fact India has earned the enviable position of being home to the 2nd biggest mobile phone user region globally. In the interim, huge growth in wireless data bandwidth has made a broad array of mobile endpoints for applications achievable and this is projected to rise (Williams, 2013). The number of mobile subscribers in May 2013 reached 6.8 billion according to a survey done by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) which represents a 96% global penetration rate. It is approximated that there will be more than 10 billion mobile devices by 2016, which implies devices will be more connected than humans. Whereas mobile devices may not be distributed evenly, around 80-90% of the people in Brazil, China, India as well as South Africa presently own, and courtesy of rising availability of telecottages in parts of rural Africa, 97 percent of Tanzanians claim that they are able to rent to use a mobile phone any time they require one (Williams, 2013). Speaking comparatively, smartphones are still in the early phases of deployment. Nevertheless, with already 1.5 billion users of smartphones globally, a 30 percent growth rate annually and significant enhancement in affordability coming, it will not be long before every mobile handset converts into a smartphone to some extent. Consequently, mobile computing symbolizes more than a straightforward change in access devices from Personal Computers to tablets and handsets (Williams, 2013). Furthermore, mobility transforms our connectivity patterns, keeping us eternally connected to places, processes and people. It changes the manner in which we interrelate with information, in addition to location-based services together with augmented reality offering richer interfaces between the digital and physical worlds. In fact, it vastly enhances the capacity at our finger tips, facilitating users in doing anything a PC can accomplish and much more. In fact with such leading providers as Google and Apple providing almost a million 3rd party applications, the potential to extend a characteristic smartphone’s array of functionalities are virtually infinite (Bezboruah, 2010). As studies show, there are new numerous waves of mobile invention and innovation within the horizon such as enhanced battery life, light-weight materials, high bandwidth networks and fast processors are all in the offing, not forgetting flexible and power-efficient displays which will soon attain “retina resolution.”Consequently, not only will these latest displays considerably enhance the clarity of images and text but also their capability to be flexible as well as even foldable will enhance adaptability making it a reality to embed displays not only in clothing but also numerous other surfaces (Williams, 2013). In addition smart devices will also integrate countless new mobile sensors –pollution sensors, pressure sensors and biometric sensors as well as many more. Consequently, the engineering of newest context-aware user interfaces, retina and gesture tracking, infrared keyboards and improved artificial intelligence will produce unbelievable new applications as well as form factors. Essentially therefore, as technology advances, so too will the manner we make use of and interact with mobile computing devices. As I write this, a typical user of a smartphone reaches out to their device 150 times daily. As proliferation of wearable devices continues most of those 150 interactions may soon be hands-free (Williams, 2013). References Bartz, R. (2015). Mobile Computing Deployment and Management: Real World Skills . New York,NY: John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Bezboruah, T. (2010). Mobile Computing:The Emerging Technology ,Sensing,Challenges and Applications. International Atomic Energy Agency , pg 1-11. Debashis, S. (2011). Next Generation Data Communication Technologies:Emerging Trends. New York,NY: IGI Global. Khalil,I & Welppi,E. (2012). Advancing the Next-Generation of Mobile Computing: Emerging Technologies . New York,NY: IGI Global . Kato, T. (2012). Next-Generation Mobile Network. Fujistu Science and Technology , pg 1-6. Pierre, S. (2010). Next Generation Mobile Networks and Ubiquitous Computing. New York,NY: Idea Group Inc (IGI). Reed, C. (2011). Computer Law. New York,NY: Oxford University Press. Regazzi, J. (2014). Infonomics and the Business of Free: Modern Value Creation for Information Services. New York,NY: IGI Global. Vandome, N. (2015). Apple Computing for Seniors in easy steps. New York,NY: In Easy Steps. Williams, A. (2013). Mobile Computing and Global Problem Solving. Global Solution Networks , pg 1-28. Read More