Unlocking the Hidden Power of the Mobile

Today in the beginning of the 21st century, mobile devices are now ubiquitous. No matter where we go or what we do, we are touched by this new insatiable need for mobile computing. Mobile devices, especially mobile phones, have become the essential commodity item. In many countries the world over, mobile phone ownership is well above 100% market penetration. The main features predominantly used are text messaging and voice communications. The phones of today, however, have far more to offer than these interpersonal communication features. Many phones include components such as digital cameras, wireless data communication systems (Bluetooth), and music playback facilities. Some even include additional sensor technology such as accelerometers to detect motion. Java Virtual Machines (JVMs) are now shipped as standard with almost every phone that comes off the production line. This opens the door to a huge body of developers to create applications specifically directed to these small mobile computing devices. The area of mobile Java games is one area of growth, especially due to the ease of deployment. Mobiles are, however, capable of so much more. This chapter focuses on the com putational abilities of these small portable computers. It provides a selection of concrete results that indicate that mobiles are more than capable of performing complex computational tasks; therefore, the future of computing is mobile.