AS THE UNDERLYING mobile communications technology moves beyond the third generation (3G) with talk in the Asia-Pacific region of 3.5G, the key element critical to the successful deployment of any technology - the handset - continues to undergo constant reinvention.
'We are seeing continuous improvement in handsets. The first generation of 3G handsets focused on functionality. Now they're focused more on design and style,' said Mary Lamb, corporate communications and public affairs, Motorola Asia-Pacific.
'That's because handsets are becoming smaller, more feature-rich and with increased battery life, which is making them more attractive to consumers.'
With users already accustomed to using their mobile phones to play music and games, browse the internet or take pictures, the question is what will be the next step in the evolution of a device that has all but reached the holy grail of 3C (communication, consumer electronics, computing) convergence.
Indications are that mobile entertainment in general, and mobile TV in particular, could be the next major application mobile phones are used for.
'We are fully upbeat about the significant growth potential of mobile entertainment in Asia as consumers continue to demand compelling and entertaining mobile content,' said Mobile Media Asia-Pacific general manager David Wong.
Stefan Rust, interim chair of Mobile Entertainment Forum Asia, said mobile TV was one of the most talked about applications. 'Mobile TV will develop into a new medium with its own niche in the years to come.'