Q1: A Mobile Generation
Nothing [made by Apple] crosses the threshold of our doorstep. -Melinda Gates
Mobile offers new solutions to old problems and, these days, its ubiquitous presence can be felt everywhere. But over a decade ago, even tech giants such as Bill Gates did not foresee mobile's potential; Gates has admitted that Microsoft's past reserved strategy (and hesitancy) to enter the mobile market during its nascent stage was a poor business decision.
Gates has since wised up to mobile technology. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has invested heavily in mobile platforms in developing countries. One issue facing mobile networking in developing countries is adequate power supply. Bill Gates' team is reviewing generating power from unexploited waste products in developing countries; ‘bio-catalysts' may soon allow third world countries to create sustainable fuel and power for the continuing growth in mobile phones usage.
To complete this Discussion:
Post: Discuss technological advancements that have been made, or must soon be invented, to keep up with the demand of mobile users. Critically explain why you believe the Internet, in its current state, does or does not have the capacity to keep up with this ever increasing demand.
Q2: Bluetooth
Fickle lovers are like Bluetooth. They're connected to you when you're nearby, but search for other devices when you're far away.
-Internet Joke
Invented by telecom vendor Ericsson in 1994, Bluetooth is a popular wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances. Bluetooth uses a packet-based protocol with a master-slave structure; one master may communicate with up to seven slave devices. Such flexibility and convenience has made Bluetooth an enduring technology, particularly now given the gamut of mobile devices and Bluetooth accessories.
To complete this Discussion:
Post: List five products on the market today that provide a Bluetooth or 802.xx interface. Critique why or why not, Bluetooth is indeed the best technology for each product.