We’re really only just at the beginning of the smartphone revolution, mostly because we haven’t really grasped the implications of having a full blown and extremely powerful computer in our pocket that pretends to be a phone. Once the performance and application tools start to really mature, we’re going to see a real revolution – and I don’t use that word lightly – in smartphone functionality and value.
One very good example of this kind of transition is in the healthcare industry, as phones become indispensable aids in remote treatment and patient management. Take a look at this Medisana ThermoDock system for example. Sure on the face of it, it’s nothing more than a replacement for a common or garden thermometer, which you can buy for next to nothing at the pharmacy.
It may seem ridiculous and clunky to hold an iPhone up to your forehead to take your temperature if you’re feeling poorly, but think about the potential for processing the data once it’s captured. The gadget and software already allows for archiving of temperatures over time, as well as email functionality. Now imagine in the future when this sort of application has an instant connection to a remote diagnosis computer or service, and you start to see a glimpse of the future.
McCoy’s Tri-Corder won’t hold a candle to this kind of stuff when it’s mature technology. This model is priced at £59.99 including the free VitalDock software. You’ll need an iPhone (or iPad) to make it all work of course.