HP and Microsoft Plan One-Device World Take-Over
This idea that your phone can actually replace your laptop and desktop computers for both home and office use is not new, but is becoming more attainable than ever. Qualcomm's Snapdragon 820 processor with X12 LTE is bringing the processing power needed to actually utilize phone features at the same time as utilizing the desktop addition. A few companies are taking the leap to make "one-device world" actually possible.
Ubuntu
Many readers here may know of the operating system (OS) called Ubuntu. It is one of the more popular versions of Linux. The Ubuntu development team originally prototyped a version of their phone in 2012, which when connected to a monitor would display a full desktop view of their mobile version OS. The problem with Ubuntu was that there were too few people utilizing the OS platform at home and work. The great part about their development team creating such a far-fetched phone design was it opened to door for further development of a more feasible operating system to steal the idea. Microsoft has always been good at that.
Microsoft Continuum
Mid-year 2015, Microsoft introduced Continuum for their Windows 10 Mobile devices with the proper processing power (Lumia 950 & 950 XL). The catch to this is that Continuum devices essentially run Windows 10 RT (Runtime) on the desktop version. When you connect the phone to a monitor, you get a "desktop-like" environment. This is important to note because this system cannot run regular 32 & 64-bit programs like Photoshop and Quicken. While there are workarounds for this that allow some 32/64-bit programs to run on the interface, it is not an optimal situation, as they either require massive processing power or a constant internet connection.
Windows App Store
So, if you cannot run regular programs, what good is it? Well, the majority of people would not even notice they cannot run regular program on it. We, as a society, have gotten so use to using mobile application it comes second nature to utilize them on a large monitor. Much of what we utilize now comes in the form of a mobile app. Adobe Photoshop even has a light version for mobile devices. Microsoft already provides a fully-functioning version of Office on their mobile devices, which is the primary application set for most business people today.
About HP's prototype
HP wants to get a piece of this action by introducing the Elite x3 last month at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. They believe a one-device world is attainable through the integration of separate extensions allowing nearly full functioning desktop capabilities. HP has even solved the 32/64-bit program problem by partnering with Citrix to create a virtual program environment they are calling WorkSpaces. This phone will also have some really interesting features like 4 GBs of RAM, near 6" display, 4,150 mAh battery (wow), a fast-charging USB 3.0 Type-C port, dual-SIM slots for two separate phone lines, and the below two accessory options.
1. The Mobile Extender: This looks like a very thin laptop, but only acts as a monitor, keyboard, trackpad, and extended battery (if pugged in via USB Type-C). You are able to just wireless connect to the extender without even taking the phone out of your pocket. And if you get a call, you can take it on the phone and use the extender at the same time. Sort-of handy.
2. USB docking station: Use this at the office or at home to connect to a normal-looking desktop environment.
What do you think? Would you use just one (somewhat limited) device for everything? Where are we headed with this concept and new line of products surrounding it?
maintenance plowing contractor
9 年what the biggest thing I didn't understand I would have jumped through hoops for him and he knows it but I guess it was too much of a man for you because I brought peace and love to work and everybody can tell you and I want everybody to know so this never happens again to anybody any family
SCADA Engineering Manager
9 年All these ideas look good on paper until you factor in hackers, design flaws, and "all eggs in one basket" approach. After that, it is "phew, I'm glad I didn't get one of those!"
Pro Sales Associate at Lowe's at Lowe's Companies, Inc.
9 年I use my mobile devices for a few things, internet browsing and communication. There is a mobile device that can act like a desktop, it is called a laptop.
Identity and Collaboration Solutions Architecture Lead at JTI (Japan Tobacco International)
9 年Appealing concept... only until you realise that mobile apps are stropped down versions of their desktop equivalents. It's funny to see how MS was trying to squeeze their desktop interface into the Windows Mobile and now is trying to stretch the mobile interface to the desktop. Not sure if the will succeed this time...