It’s the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S. this Thursday. It’s a time to reflect on our good fortunes and share a good meal with family and friends. Given the current state of the world economy and social unrest in many parts of the globe, I think there’s a lot to be thankful for if you find yourself in a warm place surrounded by loved ones this Thanksgiving.
On a lighter note, I’d like to share some of the things in the mobile world that we should give thanks for.
1. Steve Jobs for giving us the iPod, iPhone and iPad. It’s amazing how powerful these devices are (and transforming in some ways), yet toddlers can learn to use them without any guidance. His vision in the tech world will be missed.
Thank you for the iPod, iPhone and iPad. Rest in Peace, Steve.
2. WiFi. Make that free WiFi. It’s fast, it works in buildings and it’s better than being at the mercy of wireless carriers for 4G (and yes, I think carriers should offer free WiFi with data plans!). If a presidential candidate simply ran on a platform for free nationwide WiFi, he/she would get my vote.
3. GPS for giving our world context. “When I was a boy, I had to print out directions to take with us in the car.” How far we have come. Almost every app is location aware these days, using GPS (or some form of triangulation–with the help of WiFi!) and that helps to provide better content and service. Despite all the concerns over privacy, GPS makes the world better, and much easier to navigate.
4. Cameras on phones. I remember when I first saw phones with cameras in Japan about 10 years ago. My wife’s cousin is a dancer and during a party for fans, all these fans whipped out their phones (not cameras) to take pictures. This was before they could share on Twitter or Facebook. Now people are using their camera phones to broadcast revolutions, and famed photographers like Annie Liebovitz are espousing their virtues.
5. Apps. Yes, there are too many of them and it’s hard to find good ones. Thankfully there are companies like Crosswalk and Zwapp that are looking to make app recommendations better (think of the Netflix recommendation model for apps). But without mobile apps, just think how bored and unproductive we would all be!
App finders like Crosswalk make an easier, 'appier life possible.
Are there mobile marvels I missed that you’re thankful for?
Tags: Crosswalk, gps, Jason Wong, Mobile Apps, Mobile Gourmet, Steve Jobs, Thanksgiving, wifi
