The Swiss-Army Phone

The Swiss-Army Phone
Is it simpler or more complicated? Is it more convenient to have a group of simple, single-function devices, or a single, relatively complex tool that does everything? The wireless market has made its choice, and is heading in the direction of the all-in-one wireless platform. There's no question that it's easier to carry a single device than to wrap that stylish, geeky bandoleer of doo-dads across your shoulder and around your chest, but there are limits: customers are already saying that smart phones and handheld wireless devices are too difficult to use. Now comes word that progress has been made on a mobile payment technology plan that will let you make purchases and pay for them right from your phone or wireless PDA. The great news for enterprise customers is that a system sufficiently secure for financial transactions may help increase security for other applications as well. The bad news? That new wallet you just bought may be going into the drawer sooner than you thought. -Curtis