Mobile Devices Getting Cloudier
The surge in Cloud Computing has taken a new turn and entered the field of wireless communication; recent article in Chicago Tribune highlights the innovations and benefits. Using Hotmail, Facebook and Google Docs from wireless devices are examples of Cloud Computing which are now being taken to a whole new level that would allow users to be free of personal computers.
Both Motorola and Clearwire believe that future of Cloud Computing from wireless devices is bright where colleagues can work from any location (one working from home, other from the back seat of the car) on the same file, or tourist taking pictures and uploading to online albums right away. ABI Research estimate shows 19% Cloud Computing subscribers by 2014 would be wireless. The aim is to bring devices below Smart Phones to Cloud Computing.
Motorola has introduced Motoblur which is a web-based service, accessible from Motoblur-enabled handsets. It aggregates user’s data from online networks and streams updates to the phone. In case of phone lost the content can be remotely wiped as well as transferred to another handset without any loss of data. This is only part of Motorola’s vision and more improvements will be brought in future.
AT&T has its network burdened by iPhone users which will continue to grow. The need for high bandwidth is important and that’s what Clearwire aiming at with its WiMax network that would be expanded to 80 US markets by 2010. The expansion in Mobile Cloud Computing will allow more content access from affordable phones.