Technology is great because it’s constantly moving. By the time most of us have our arms around some “new” technology, those that are imagining the future gadgets are well on their way to the next frontier. It seems that technologies which are imagined are often a mixed bag in user engagement, utility and practical application. Some of these never see any widespread adoption and often this is because users are either not ready for it, don’t see value in itor the price is well beyond that of the most budgets for the category of product.
The Kohler Numi does things no other toilet does, but it'll cost you a pretty penny.
Not to mix enterprise mobility with, well an activity which by it’s nature is usually very sedentary – but the best example I’ve seen lately of adding technology where it’s not really needed is the Kohler Numi. The Numi is a high tech toilet, complete with a touch-screen remote advanced flush technology. The Numi boasts a personalized “experience” for users, including features such as a motion activated lid and seat, feet and seat warming, advanced bidet functionality and music via either a programmable FM radio or MP3 connection. All with a price tag of $6,300. Let’s just say, I’m not expecting to see this in my home anytime soon.
On the other end of the consumer experience is the Kindle Fire. This combination tablet/e-reader was officially available on November 15th, and some are already claiming the Fire to be the #2 tablet in the market behind of course, the iPad. I’ve purchased two for my kids (sshhhh, they are Christmas presents) and another colleague has bought four. I had predicted in this column a few weeks ago the success of the Fire, but I didn’t think it would be this far ahead of the holiday season.
Of course one of the reasons for this surge is the price point. With a price point of $199, you can buy two Kindle Fires for less than the entry level iPad 2 ($499). I think all will agree that the Fire may not match up point by point to the iPad, but for 40% of the cost, many seem to be considering that it’s close enough.
As more and more companies are moving to a policy which allows employees to bring their own technology into the workplace, known to many as the BYOD movement, the evolving consumer technology market will continue to put pressure on these corporate policies. Are you prepared for dozens or hundreds of employees showing up at the office after the holiday season with shiny new devices asking for access to corporate email and CRM systems? When consumers hit your website from the Kindle Fire they get for Christmas, what will be the quality of their experience – is your mobile website optimized across 9,000 devices to ensure a positive user interaction?
While I think custom flushing options and a heated toilet seat might be nice, my predication is that following this year’s holiday season your enterprise will see many more Kindle Fires entering the enterprise than $6k high-tech toilets.
The question, as always, is will you and your mobile infrastructure be ready?
Tags: B2C Apps, B2E Apps, Business Mobility, Business Process, Consumer Mobility, Enterprise Mobility, Human Centered Mobility, Increase Customer Satisfaction, iPad, Kholer Numi, Kindle Fire, Matt Torgersen, Mobile Apps, Pragmatic Mobility, Tablets
