Why Mobile is More Important Than You Thought

The future is undeniably mobile. While this might seem obvious, there’s an even deeper transformation underway. Desktops, as we know them, will become obsolete—not just for consumers but also for business users.

The Microsoft Move

Microsoft’s strategy highlights key facts that underscore the mobile revolution:

Engagement: By 2020, 80% of adults on Earth will own a smartphone. Today, more time is spent on mobile apps than on the web.

Sensors: Mobile devices are packed with sensors, making them more context-aware than desktops. They can understand your location and adapt their functionality accordingly.

Capability: The 1993 Pentium had 3.1 million transistors. The iPhone 6 has 2 billion transistors. That’s 645 times more power in a device that fits in your pocket.

Network Access: Devices now switch seamlessly between WiFi and mobile data, enabling robust mobile experiences without needing massive computational power. Speech recognition technologies like Siri, Cortana, and Google Now exemplify this shift.

The Market Shift

The transition from desktop to mobile is already happening, especially in the consumer market. For most tasks, a mobile device can replace a desktop. The only limitation is screen size, which is why phablets are gaining popularity. Why buy a desktop when a mobile can do everything you need?

The Future with Microsoft Continuum

Microsoft’s Continuum makes the future clear. Soon, people won’t need to switch between a desktop computer and a mobile device. Your mobile will be your desktop. Instead of a bulky PC, you’ll simply place your phone next to a screen and keyboard, and it will seamlessly use the larger display and input devices. This innovation could spell the end for most business desktops.

What Does This Mean?

The web and apps are diverging. The web will be primarily for information, while apps will be for getting things done. Building exceptional app experiences quickly will become increasingly important. Apps must complement the web by enabling functionality—the web isn’t going away, but it has lost its crown.