Handset market updates

Imagine the beginning of the 90's. Had we told you then that the mobile phone handset is destined to be the best selling consumer electronics item, you probably would have not believed us. Yet, today more than a Billion handsets are sold worldwide.

Much of these handsets are being sold as replacements and upgrades, so now the market is maturing .. right? Wrong. The cross breeding of radio and microprocessor are making it possible today to produce satellite navigation chips costing as little as 1 Dollar a piece. And Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags have been produced by Hitachi so small that they can fit into the groove of a thumb-print.

Now, when power can be routed wirelessly to such devices, all the pieces will be in place for the oncoming Wireless revolution. According to the Economist, which ran a big article about it this week, this technology will make a whole new range of applications possible from the lifesaving: imagine sensors on firemen's uniforms to relay information about the fire and let colleagues know exactly where they are. To the decidedly economical: insurance companies will be able to charge you premiums depending on where and when you drive, as they may be able to monitor your car in real time. And the less palatable, the Baja Beach Club in Barcelona has a nurse (pretty of course) injecting patrons under local anesthetic with a tiny microchip. The "injected" can be identified with a tag reader and can access the VIP area. VIP indeed...

Of course, there are plenty to be concerned about in terms of privacy; regulators are sure going to be looking into this. We are curious to see how you will be profiting from this new market, and since you are a smart bunch (only smart people are members on gsmExchange.com) you sure will! Good Luck.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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