Voice Killing PDAs
IDC, the research company, will host a webinar/teleconference on August 28 about the evolution of the mobile phone, which is says is subsuming the PDA market (sorry, but this is a paid link to the Financial Times). While I agree that the convergence of telephony and data services are inevitable, since people do want to talk to one another first and foremost, the question is at what point does the technology start to get in the way? When does the hardware we use to stay in touch with remote contacts get in the way of our direct experience of the world?
If you've ever been to the Experience Music Project (EMP) in Seattle, backed by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, it is a strangely alienating experience because they hand you a hip-hanging device and headphones to use as you stroll through the museum. So, you and all the people you are with can't really talk about what you are seeing and hearing, and you are usually seeing and hearing something different, because you might be across the room from one another -- I've noticed that groups break up while visiting EMP. This suggests that while it is convenient and trippy cool, technology can also get in the way.
On the other hand, the fact you can snap a photo and send it with a voice message ties you to people who are far away. IT is a blessing and a curse.
Posted by Mitch Ratcliffe at August 20, 2003 09:38 AM | TrackBack