TABLE OF CONTENTS This chapter focuses on areas for further development and research within the area of mobile HCI. The chapter will explore the impact of 3G technology and its potential effects on the development of new application domains, such as location-based services, entertainment services, healthcare, personalisation and mobile learning. In addition, this chapter will consider what kinds of research methods will need to be employed to effectively investigate not only the functional aspects of these new mobile devices services and applications but also the continuing social impact of these developing mobile technologies. This social impact, after all, is one of the major driving forces as to why people choose to use technology, and how they adapt it to their needs.
What is 3G? Essentially, 3G stands for the third generation of mobile telecommunications technology which offers an increased bandwidth to allow mobile phone operators to provide a wider and better range of services. This bandwidth should increase data transfer rates to about 2 megabits per second (with the promise of 100 megabits per second for 4G phones and the ability to move around in 3D virtual communities). For example, due to the increased bandwidth available, users will, in theory, be able to watch sporting events such as highlights from soccer matches on their phone while sitting on the train on the way home. In addition, 3G services offer the opportunity to surf the internet (with the added bonus of having an always on internet connection) and have access to...
