Smartphones soon obsolete? Following product?

[Unycorn]

Everything has a cycle, eventually becomes obsolete, and is overtaken by innovation. This was the case with keypad cell phones, which first got cameras and then were mostly replaced by smartphones.

It is said that a product cycle lasts about 10 years. The war in Ukraine and, before that, the onset of the coronavirus pandemic have extended this cycle for smartphones. Further development cannot be stopped, unless conflicts of interest throw us back into the Stone Age – but I don't think that will happen.

What do you think is the next step? Where is the journey headed, and what would be the idea for the next product that will replace smartphones in the future?

[Clear_Skies10]

I've been trying to figure that out myself. Sometimes things you see in movies and even cartoons end up being willed into reality. People's fantasy gadgets are what they work towards creating. So what do people want beyond a smartphone? A hologram? A sex robot with a screen? A computer chip in their brains? Probably not. Smartphones may be the height of personal devices for a long time, kinda like the television was.

[jshm2]

Headsets, smart rings, smart watches etc etc. There are lots of alternatives to phones.

The reason for the stalling is that the USA is no longer in charge, thus unable to impose its usual technology fads in marketable cycles.

[Unycorn]

I guess headsets are not comfortable enough and if that would be ne next thing it would be it already. Smart rings seems not to be sold out soon. So maybe some features are missing and you need a mobile phone. You can't use a ring without a phone. Some people use implanted chips - as a pet chipped. But will they change the chip with a newer one all years?

[strateguy632]

Smart phones are like refrigerator, we need them for phone and internet. Not obsolete nor replaced. What will "replace" refrigerator, nothing.

[Unycorn]

Exactly that will change, I guess. One day we won't need smart phoney any longer. There is a system in the new built cars, that is always connected - of course only for our security, if an accident happen. Maybe they can track you to see if you drive too fast or your insurance is higher if you often drive too fast?

[AviatorTom]

Next product would be common badges like they wear on Star Trek. No need for display since you would talk to the computer and the computer would talk to you, via the com badge.

[AviatorTom]

Common should be com... autocorrect got me again

[Unycorn]

Yeah but maybe there is not enough difference between a nadge and an phone? You can "wake" up phones by "hey google/siri". And in Knight Rider the watch was so cool! You had to press a button I guess.

The rings seems not to be a success. Glasses might be too expensive for mass production. I guess they are on the way to the next "thing" with the ring. Only needs to be more comfortable to wear.

[WonderingManII]

Good question. I'm not sure, but I'm afraid that we might be getting to the end of society soon.

[Unycorn]

What do you mean bey "the end of society"? Please explain.