Digitalwall: Ultimate Mobile Device (5) Universal User Experience

Is Windows more difficult to operate than a household appliance? I don't think so.

[+] A requirement for universal user experience

Let's look closely at the development paths of the major mobile devices. The first type we think of is PDA. Since its first appearance as an "electronic business notepad", the device has taken a road toward the smart phone. In an effort to break away from the limitation of the business market, it is leaning toward another end: entertainment, which makes it more like PMP (Portable Media Player).

In addition to traditional PDA functions, the PMP-like model also enables movie playing and offers larger memories. You can get more information on this model of Palm, one of the leading PDA manufacturers at: http://www.palmone.com/us/products/mobilemanagers/lifedrive/

The history of the mobile phone is known to everyone: integrating a number of functions, from the camera, PDA, to MP3 player. To avoid extinction, MP3 player manufacturers are beginning to produce PMP to develop into a higher end market.

While the mobile phone is developing toward the featured game console functions, the game console manufacturers are eroding the PMP market by offering built-in media playing functions; as a counter-attack to the handset manufacturer, the digital camera is providing built-in sending/receiving Email functions. Follow the trend, the portable digital camcorder will be the next target of the integration into mobile phones.

Predictably, future terminals will fall into two major categories: the handset-oriented terminal with generic all-in-one functions, and the featured non-phone device that offers professional functions for hardcore players.

With such a diversified portfolio of terminals, a more important topic is surfacing: is a universal user experience needed for the increasingly numerous kinds of mobile device?

[+] "Windows experience" is the mainstream user experience.

In the future, one person could have a number of terminals at the same time. Even if all-in-one units would become pervasive, it is also possible that such products become fad items and consumers change one every half year.

The key to save the trouble of learning how to use so many kinds of terminal device each time is the user interface. If all devices could share a similar operating method, they would be much easier to use, and the device replacement frequency would increase substantially.

That is why a universal operating system is necessary for every mobile device. Traditional mobile phones do not have many complicated functions. Making phone calls, sending short messages and checking phonebooks are what most people expect from them. However, when many functions are integrated into one device, it is important to provide universal user experience.

Although it is hard to sense or describe, the importance of an easy-to-use interface and consistent user experience has significant weight in the heart of consumers. As a result, some operating systems or mobile devices brands would prevail over time.

When it comes to the integration between the Windows-based IT products and the consumer electronics, a common argument is the latter should be easier to use. However, Windows-based products are not so easy to use, therefore not fit for the "household appliance mindset".

Although there is still room of improvement for the Windows interface on mobile devices, Microsoft's idea of extending the competitive advantage of Windows to mobile devices is frightening from the viewpoint of "extend the user experience".

Most of us have the experience of using household appliances, and the majority of those between 15 and 45 years old also have the experience of operating a computer. "Windows experience" today could be seen as the mainstream user experience, which is comparable to that of watching TV. Obviously, that is a force no one could afford to ignore.

[+] Integrated user experience of digital home appliance and mobile device

In addition to its own diversified functions, an ultimate mobile device might be used as the remote controller for other household appliances. In fact, with mobile phones, remotely controlling toy cars or transmitting music files around the house through wireless means, such as Bluetooth and WLAN, are applications already in development.

That means the communication between mobile devices and household appliances is becoming more and more frequent. In the past, the method of operating a TV set or an audio system might vary substantially from brand to brand. The user interface of Brand A might differ from that of Brand B, even though they are the same type of product.

However, to realize the dream of digital home, allow dozens of digital appliances and their control center: the computer to communicate smoothly with the mobile phone, and reduce the complexity of operation, it is extremely important to provide consistent user experience.

In today's market, Microsoft is the only one capable of providing such user experience, from household appliances to mobile devices, and the software giant is working on its way toward that goal. The effort may seem fruitless in the short term. Yet compared with other rivals in this field, that might prove to be a real competitive edge.

In a market with hundreds and thousands of competitors, there might easily be calls for a leader. However, will the mobile terminal industry and digital home industry end up to be another IT industry, which has a very thin profit margin because manufacturers struggle under the heavy burden of license fee for the operating system? Let's wait and see. (
2005/07/24 - By Digitalwall.com - Way to
China Internet/Telecom )