TRENDS Part 2

[на рус.яз. см. предыдущий пост]

In this part we will talk about the unification of the components of electronic devices.

As everybody could have suppose previously, now the unification of the element base happens within the framework of one manufacturer, and sometimes even among several vendors simultaneously. This is primarily associated with increasing performance of CPU for mobile devices. Furthermore, the use of common platforms significantly reduces development costs.

Indeed, Apple's processor A4 is used in the smartphone iPhone4 and tablet iPad. This processor is ARM Cortex A8 processor with a clock frequency of 1 GHz. According to some sources the same processor is used by Samsung in Samsung Wave (and its modification in Samsung Galaxy S). The fact that this processor S5PC110A01 (classification of Samsung) is the product of joint development of Samsung Electronics and Intrinsity, the latter of which was acquired by Apple not so long ago. And in this case situation is analogous: the processor is used in the smartphone Samsung Galaxy S and tablet Samsung Galaxy Tab.

It is also known that the smartphone Samsung Galaxy S II, tablet Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Apple iPad2 (and, apparently, next Apple iPhone) use the dual-core processors. Clearly that the next versions of these mobile devices will use processors that are comparable to the netbooks processors or processors of the simplest laptops from these manufacturers.

All of foregoing facts lead to the assumption of a possible unification and modular design for future mobile devices. How can it look like?

Let us assume that the CPU, RAM and flash memory can be allocated in a separate module with its own hull and the plug. This module should have certain degree of impermeability and protection from shock and vibration loads. From a design standpoint this is the case when the design pretentious novelties will go to the detriment of functions. The module must be durable and thin, and the consumer should understand manner and place of mounting. For geeks the manufacturer can provide a transparent module hull as well as LED illumination in the presence of the battery.

The manufacturer's logo, the model designation and the standard (in the case of standardization of module sizes and their connections) are shown on the module.

In addition, the data owner are displayed on reverse side of the module as physical record on sticker in the nonvolatile module or as e-ink record on embedded display in presence of the battery.

Certainly, you need a cover, which precludes the possibility of slipping from hands, and the connector, which should be protected by a special shutter.

Flash memory stores user passwords, its individual settings and other necessary information.

Certainly, there will be some technical difficulties related with the reliability of slots and connectors, the protection of the module, weight gain of device, reprogramming. But eventually the whole history of the development of mobile electronics is associated with the successful overcoming of some limitations.

This design solution allows the use of one module in different devices: smart phones, tablets and notebooks. These devices must be made in view of installation of the removable module and assembled without a CPU, RAM and flash memory, but with a slot and a connector for this module. Conventionally we call them "devices minus one", in contrast to the traditional unit or "complete devices". When the consumer will insert the module into different devices he will not feel discomfort. In this case authentication and loading of individual settings can be performed automatically, while unit can be rented. Slot for the module can be closed by a spring-loaded lid with a latch like in some models of cameras, or shutter and sliding cover (using the example from Part 1 of this article).

In some cases, the device can have its own CPU, RAM and flash memory, but also can have a slot for the module. Then the module is used as an additional processor to increase computing power and as additional memory.

We represent the pricing as follows. No doubt the price of "device - 1" should be less than the price of "complete device", and the price of "device - 1" with module should be more than the price of "complete device". Simultaneously prices of "devices - 1" should be defined so that in buying one module and several "devices - 1" buyer would save money. The savings will be the more, than the more the buyer will acquire of devices in addition to the module.

The question about economic indicators of production of such devices on the market remains open. Perhaps marketing departments will be against such development strategy, because the shortfall in revenue will be probably due to decrease in the absolute income on one "device - 1". However, the relative level of income per unit can be even higher because the cost of "device - 1" will be less. We dare to suggest, existing customers will find that the need to reinstall module and the impossibility of simultaneous operation of the smartphone, tablet and laptop are very uncomfortable. This category of consumers will be interested in acquiring "complete devices". And modular design solution will attract an additional category of consumers who will save some money by purchasing several "devices - 1" and one module to them. Besides, advanced users will be attracted additional module capabilities.

Additional capabilities include user identification in a variety of devices, such as in security systems, access control, payment devices, etc.

Also, the possibility of constructing the office of universal workplaces exists where this is possible. In this case a linear employee can take any place of any linear employee in the head office, branches, representative offices, mobile offices, partner offices by inserting your own module in a universal computer.

Major companies should take into account the participation of other manufacturers. In particular, we see an unprecedented number of electronic devices that provide connectivity iPhone or iPod. In this situation the whole iPhone will not connect, but only the module "iMod" or module Samsung "900XXXX" will connect. And seriously, then theoretically a third-party manufacturers will able to release a smartphone based on of module of another production.

Thus the owners of mobile devices will have a module that will be addition or part of a range of electronic devices at work, home and car and will be used instead of electronic access cards, flash cards, bank cards, identity cards, etc.

To be continued.