At one time smartphones were a luxury used by business professionals, tech junkies, and rich kids. Today, they are considered a necessity by the general public.
How did we ever get places without Maps? How did we ever manage group conversations? What did we do for entertainment while we waited in lines?
In the last few years, mobile device use has gone through the roof. Mobile now accounts for 65% of all digital use. The smartphone is more dominant than ever and demand has never been higher. That means we can expect the functions and features to continue to improve.
What’s right around the corner and further down the road in the world of smartphones? Read on to find out.
What to Expect With the iPhone 7
We can’t talk about the future of smartphone features without mentioning the latest iPhone. Apple has been at the feature forefront ever since the company launched the first smartphone in 2007.
If you plan to get the latest phone from Apple, you’re probably going to need a new iPhone 7 case. While the body isn’t dramatically different, the new iPhone 7 Plus is rumored to have a new dual lens camera. This feature will produce even more amazing detail, but it’s also going to increase the lip around the lens. The lack of a home button (now that there’s touch screen sensors) could also make some cases obsolete and ill-fitting.
What to Expect With the Samsung Galaxy Note 7
The new and improved Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is easily going to be one of the best smartphones on the market. It’s 12MP rear camera is hard to beat, which is important to many users. And all those pictures and videos will look amazing on the 5.7-inch QHD display.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 took a page out of the Galaxy 7S Edge’s book with the curved body of the device. It now has a nice feel and weight to it. The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is also more durable since this latest model is water resistant with IP68 waterproofing. Some of the new noteworthy features include iris scanning, a fingerprint sensor and USB Type-C connectivity.
What to Expect With the LG V20
This September the LG V20 will hit shelves. Little information has been leaked on the features that users can expect, but the company is stating that it will be “a new standard for premium phones.”
Some are guessing that the V20 will be modular like the LG G5, which is a feature that’s still being figured out. The concept of being able to custom build your phone is a popular one, but it still has a way to go. LG promises that the announcement about the V20 at the IFA show will be a big one that shows off its enhanced multimedia capabilities.
Features You’ll Likely See in the Near Future
We’ve become accustomed to always expecting more from technology. As soon as the latest features are available we’re already looking for more advanced tools. Here’s a glimpse at what’s to come in the near future of smartphones.
Pre-Touch
Having to actually make contact with your phone to control it is so 2016. In the coming years, all of the major smartphone manufacturers are most likely going to begin incorporating pre-touch technology. It’s going to be similar to how the Samsung Galaxy Note S Pen works. All you have to do is hover over the screen to select, expand, minimize and swipe with your fingertips.
Data Sharing Between Smartphones
Whether you need to move data from your old phone to a new one, or you want to share data with someone else, moving said data hasn’t always been easy. This is especially true if you’re trying to move data between two different operating systems. There are solutions for data sharing between the Android OS and iOS already, and we expect the possibilities to continue to expand.
More Durable Designs
Fragility is the Achilles heel of many smartphones. One drop or splash of water and you’ve got an expensive fix on your hands. Some, but far from all, smartphones already boast a waterproof design. The latest rumor around the campfire is bendable designs that are virtually indestructible.
Better Charging Options
In the near future, it’s going to be easier than ever to keep your smartphone charged. Apple is setting the stage for wireless charging, which would do away their chargers and fraying cords. And how about solar-powered screens. It’s not out of the realm of possibility. Patents suggest that Apple is attempting to put solar cells behind the screens of their iPhones.
Phone manufacturers are planning to take a giant leap forward with motion charging. The kinetic energy you generate by moving around with your smartphone could keep the battery out of the red zone. Wear your smartphone during an hour-long workout, and you could get a few extra hours of battery life.
Lithium-air batteries are also going to improve battery life even as smartphones experience heavier use. Lithium-oxygen cells are theoretically fives times better than lithium-ion.
Full Screen Display
Apple is already set to get rid of the home button. Soon after the black surround will be completely gone on the full-glass screen.
3D Display and Holograms
Smartphones are the perfect device for holograms and 3D movies. Imagine Facetime getting an upgrade with a 3D hologram of the person on the other end of the line. Insiders say it’s possible and could be a feature in the near future.
Great post! Thanks.