It first debuted in technologically advanced Japan in 2001 with service provider NTT DoCoMo. In 2007, more than 200 million users around the world were connected to the 3G network through their mobile phones. Today, that number has climbed to 500 million with more than 85% of new phones in production across all brands being 3G-enabled with access to the mobile web.
Clearly 3G and mobile internet have become a must in Australia. We have come to rely on its connectivity to access information at our fingertips, to stay connected with loved ones, and to stay on top of our personal and professional lives. Now new devices are harnessing the powerful potential of 3G. How will it connect in a few years?
You’ll find a number of useful 3G devices beyond the smartphone, including:
tablets – Tablet-type mobile devices such as the iPad or the Samsung Galaxy are the most sought-after devices at the moment. Forecasts suggest that tablets will continue to grow and will sell 60% of the units of desktop computers by 2015.
electronic readers – eReaders like the Kindle have transformed the way we read thanks to 3G technology. Complete library collections along with your favorite bookstore titles are now available at our fingertips. Additionally, e-readers have doubled as web browsing devices giving users access to much of the most important information from a single device.
The future of 3G
In 2006, Spring Nextel had high aspirations to connect a variety of devices wirelessly with WiMax technology. They envisioned digital cameras, music players and sensors, even home appliances connected to the network. Imagine being able to push a button while you’re on the go and have your coffee maker have your cup waiting for you once you want to walk through the door. There are a number of innovative devices that have attempted to take advantage of 3G connectivity beyond standard mobile broadband plans, including:
– Sony 3G-enabled camera – Earlier this year, Sony was rumored to be working on a 3G-compatible camera that would allow users to instantly share their digital snapshots or upload them to “the cloud.” While Wi-Fi-enabled cameras have received some acceptance in recent years, there’s still no confirmation whether Sony or any other manufacturer is considering 3G for the future.
– 3G watches – could have come straight out of a Bond movie. These 3G watches work as a phone, camera, video call device, music player and calendar all in one. Since the debut of the LG GD910 in 2009, LG has discontinued its production, although several other manufacturers have developed their own versions of watches for mobile phones.
What do you think will be the future of 3G technology?