It also tells the time, but with all that activity happening on-screen, I'm not convinced you'd be able to see it. OK, it's a kid's gadget along the lines of those digital watches with calculators on them that let you play Space Invaders. The manufacturers, service providers and consultants, who all have much to gain, are talking up the mobile market. Even the analysts predict huge growth for mobile commerce, and the developments to date have already been impressive. Analyst firm Gartner notes that mobile phone sales rose 45 percent between 1999 and 2000, with 413 million sold last year.
Commentators say the hardware is building up to what marketing managers tend to call critical mass.
Already a number of familiar faces are taking their places at the wireless computing table, hoping to feast on a banquet. However, mobile banking is currently nowhere. IBM and Ericsson's offering will allow bank customers to pay bills, trade shares and so on, using their mobile phones, but I'd be very surprised if such services take off. Another pact is between Microsoft, BT Cellnet, Genie and startup Seven. They will supply technology so wireless operators can sell businesses mobile services that can link to many types of wireless device.