What makes a Superphone?
We are all well versed in the term “Smart” when referring to our powerful mobile computers that have slowly replaced more limited communication technology over time.
But the new term that is being bandied about seems to now refer to our beloved smartphone superiors as superphones, so what makes them more super than there smart siblings?
Well according to ARM it will be all in the data that 4G allows to flow to a mobile device (and then subsequent technology update).
The closest mobile device to a superphone we have currently in mass production is the Samsung Galaxy S2…yes a phone that has seen quite a bit of may attentions this year for good and bad, Warren East, CEO at ARM has stated that the rise in 3G brought about the birth of the smartphone as a means of making use of all that extra data that was available in the airwaves.
With 4G looming and the much needed data options that it will bring (speed, compression, data rates) the new ARM processors like the A9 will try to capture the market for more processor hungry phones that are more capable of crunching even more data which in turn will lead to a far more rich experience for the end user.
Processors for 4G technology:
These new processors such as the A15 will likely be seen in tablets, phones, computers and even servers.
In 2012 superphones will emerge as LTE and 4G start to gain traction globally.
Indeed it is a very exciting time for the mobile world as 4G hopes to do away with some of the issues that face the mobile device market.
4G not without issues currently:
In the UK it looks like 2013 will be the closest date that will be available as issues relating to the current bandwidth needed for 4G remain:
“The spectrum needed for 4G is the 800MHz and 2600MHz band, which still needs to be properly cleared for 4G use. 800MHz will not be freed up until 2013 by Digital Switchover and the 2600MHz band still has interference issues with some older radar systems. Allocation of spectrum is really a matter for Ofcom and, now we have a new Government, we expect that the spectrum release process will move forward with auctions some time in 2011.”
The US has seen rollouts of 4G since 2009 in various areas across the states.
The big question I have for all manufacturers is will battery life keep up to speed with the power fo the device and allow us to use our chosen communication tool fro longer than 6-7 hours on any one single charge!
Anthony Munns